toxicant (d20 guide to poisons)

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 5 MARINE VENOMS

THE HISTORY OF POISON POISON IN THE MIDDLE AGES POISON AND THE VICTORIAN AGE POISON AND MODERN MAN

POISONOUS FISH, VENOMOUS JELLIES, DEADLY CRUSTATIONS

CHAPTER 2 ARACHNID VENOMS

PAGES 3-4

CHAPTER 1 POISON RULES

SCORPIONS SCORPION MYTH AND LORE UNDERSTANDING SCORPIONS SPIDERS SPIDERS MYTH AND LORE UNDERSTANDING SPIDERS

REALISTIC POISONS POISON CLASSIFICATION DOSAGE ONSET & DURATION SYMPTOMS & DAMAGE POISON DC CRAFTING POISONS

CHAPTER 6 TOXIC PLANTS

PAGES 14-25 DANGEROUS PLANTS PLANT POISONS

CHAPTER 3 TOXIC CHEMICALS PAGES 48-66

PAGES 5-13

COPYRIGHT©2003 MAD KAISER GAMES

PAGES 40-47

CLEANERS, SOLVENTS, FUELS AND PESTICIDES

All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The material provided in this book is designed for game purposes only. Information regarding poisons and medical treatments is intended as a supplement to role-playing games and is not a substitute for the expertise of physicians or other health-care professionals. The author of thus guide does not condone or encourage the use of poison. In no way will the author of this guide or any contributors of this guide be held responsible for the actions of other people.

PAGES 26-32

CHAPTER 4 FUNGAL POISONS POISONOUS MUSHROOMS FUNGUS POISONS FOLKTALES PAGES 33-39

CHAPTER 7 SNAKE VENOMS SNAKES MYTH AND LORE UNDERSTANDING SNAKES

PAGES 67-75

The Contents of this Book are Deemed Open-Game Content

INTRODUCTION THE HISTORY OF POISON

Since the dawn of time, mankind has sought to find weapons, weapons made more and more efficient against animals or their enemies. Even though a sharp stone could inflict injury, there had to be more destructive means available. In this search, more potent weapons were indeed found and incorporated into their existing weapons. These findings gave early men much power over others, and became a dark secret, a mystery held only by the most observant and intuitive members of the tribe. The use of poisons dates back as far as spiritual and mythological beliefs have been recorded. The first accounts deciphered are from the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq. There are associations of poisons with Gula, Goddess of Medicine dating back to as early as 4500BC and accounts of her have been found as late as 1400BC. Records of Egyptian knowledge of poison can be dated about 300BC. Menes, the earliest recorded Egyptian king studied the properties of poisonous plants. Detailed accounts at this time were not recorded as it was forbidden to reveal any secrets taught in the temples and so valuable was this knowledge to the priests that exposing these mysteries to outsiders carried the penalty of death. Still, there is sufficient evidence that the Egyptians were familiar with antimony, copper, crude arsenic, lead, mandrake and opium as well as the natural plant, reptile and insect poisons. Egyptians also were the first to master distillation and the extraction of poison from peach pits. The Ancient Greeks knew of arsenic in the form of realger and orpiment. They had an idea of metals such as lead, copper, mercury, silver, and gold and some extent of their properties. Concerning vegetable poisons, the Greeks chiefly employed Hemlock. Under certain conditions, suicide was seen to be noble, and the use of the 'poisoned cup' was often sanctioned. This was a dose of Hemlock mixed into honey and wine. The poisoned cup was also used as a form of capital punishment. The administered dose, however, was often not fatal. During these ancient times, poisons were essentially viewed as mysterious substances, and were poorly understood. It would seem that the ritual and preparation of poisons was deemed the most important step in the act of poisoning, as opposed to the fundamental action of the poisons themselves, so a second dose was frequently required. Even in Greek mythology there is reference to poison. The Greeks attributed the discovery of poisonous plants to Hecate, the goddess of sorcery. An example of poison being used for murder is the story of Medea, daughter of the Sun-God Apollo. She became the wife of Ageus, King of Athens. Ageus’ son, Theseus, returned to Athens to claim his rights and Medea resented this and vainly attempted to poison Theseus with a poisoned goblet. That same year, Ageus was poisoned by a court eunuch named Bagoas who had his own political ambitions. Arses was the oldest son of Ageus. Bagoas placed him on the throne after the murder of his father, expecting to use him as a puppet ruler. Evidently, Arses had too much of a mind of his own and so, after a short reign of only two years, Bagoas also had him poisoned. The Eastern races had much more interest and knowledge of poisons than other societies. The Persians were the most interested in the art of poisoning, especially among the nobles. Plutarch and Ctesias relate an account, which occurred during the reign of Artaxerxes II from 405 to 359BC. Queen Parysatis supposedly poisoned her daughter-inlaw, Statira by means of a poisoned knife. Certain venom was administered to one side of a knife and used to cut a bird at the dinner table. Taking the untainted half, Parysatis lived while her daughter-in-law died. A custom adopted by the Chinese in 246BC still exists today. Known as the Chou Ritual, it was developed several centuries before the time of Confucius. In the first, wands with whole feathers were waved, in the worship of the spirits of agriculture. In the second wands with divided feathers were used in the ancestral temples. In the third feather caps were worn on the head, and the upper garments were adorned with kingfisher feathers in blessing the four quarters of the realm. In the fourth yak-tails were used in ceremonial for the promotion of harmony. In the fifth shields were manipulated to celebrate military

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merit. In the sixth the bare hands were waved in homage to the stars and constellations. Of the 5 poisons used, 4 are known; cinnabar (mercury), realger (arsenic), green vitriol (copper) and loadstone. Burnt together, the fumes were gathered on the feathers and then consumed. Poisoning people at the dinner table had become a common activity, especially amongst the ancient Romans. Homicidal poisonings in the high circles of Roman society were happening as early as 331BC. Nero was infamous for eliminating family members, and with the aid of his personal poisoner, Locusta, poisoned his brother Britanicus with cyanide. Belladonna was also a favorite poison, and Locusta, used this on the instruction of Agrippa, the wife of Claudius, to kill him. Soon after the properties of poisonous substances were found, people looked towards methods of prevention of their fatal effects. Mithridates was King of Pontos, now called Turkey, around the time of 130BC. He was thought to have lived in constant fear of being poisoned by his enemies, so he studied the subject of antidotes extensively. He tested various poisons on condemned criminals and experimented with other poisons to see if they held any antidotal properties. He took small doses of various poisons daily in an attempt to render himself immune, with a measure of success. With the advent of modern chemistry and toxicology, we have begun to understand the chemistry behind the actions of poison. However, despite a lack of scientific method, a remarkable amount was known about the effects, uses and treatments of poisoning in the unscientific world of medieval Europe.

POISON IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Science in the Middle Ages was absolutely dependent on the translations of Greek texts, particularly those of Aristotle. Most initially came via the Islamic culture, particularly through Spain. Islamic scientists had heavily commented on and added to this heritage, so Europe gained a highly developed scientific literature of a thousand years of intellectual exploration. The greatest of these translations were of Aristotle's works. Most think of him as one of the great early philosophers. In fact he was a great Greek scientist and most of his works pertain to science, and especially to Natural Philosophy. The works of other authors, such as Ptolemy, Hippocrates, Galen, al-Kwarizmi, Avicenna, Rhazes, and Archimedes were also largely concerned with science. As was Plato's Timaeus. The first medieval scientists to translate these ancient texts and had dedicated to the study of poisons were the Apothecaries. They produced and often sold preparations for a multitude of uses, and it was well known that many of these could be put to less beneficial purposes than those for which they were intended. The medieval study of poisons was also greatly influenced by Persian and, above all, by Indian ideas. The Muslims were interested in the identifications of poisonous substances and the distinction between poisons derived from animal products and the poisons derived from mineral and vegetable substances, as is seen in Ibn Wahshiyaalso's Al-Filahah Al-Nabatiyah or Book on Poisons. However, when it came to the actual preparation of poisons and treatment of cases of poisoning, the Muslims used and improved upon Greek methods, which alone struck them as being rational and useful. Poisoning was also a popular subject of the new academic texts, often written by monks. Monasteries were often the main seats of learning in a largely illiterate population, and were frequently called upon to help relieve the suffering of the sick and elderly. Poison was usually classed with medicaments in the Middle Ages, and was classified as the fourth degree of medicine, wherein the destruction or death of tissue is produced. This made the chemical knowledge of plants and animals essential and worth the arduous task of cataloging them. One example of these catalogs is 'The Book of Venoms', which was written by Magister Santes de Ardoynis in 1424. This was a reasonably comprehensive account of the poisonous plants and animals known at the time, their effects and the best ways that they could be treated or used as medicine. Many of the poisons used more recently. Arsenic, cyanide, strychnine, opium, atropine, aconite and heavy metals, were also described in

INTRODUCTION these tomes. They were often referred to by several different names, or as the plant from which they have more recently been purified, but were usually described with great accuracy and with little variation from modern texts. It is unlikely that these academic documents would have been comprehensible or even available to the general public. However, there was a great deal of common knowledge poison-lore available to the masses. Some was very accurate, while some outrageously backwards. The act of the poisoners that worked unseen, and their association with witchcraft resulted in a level of paranoia amongst the general population. This may in fact have been justified! With poisons readily available and no real forensics or toxicology to provide convicting evidence, poisoning seems to have been relatively widespread. Poison thus gained the stigma of being a coward’s weapon. Using these venoms took a degree of wickedness, being calculated in cold blood. Poisoning was a wicked business, whether the victim lived or died, and the fear of the nasty death a poison brought was a daily fact of life for many people. Often the antidote was almost worse than the contamination, and could just as easily cause additional slow suffering before death anyway. Medieval methods of defense against poisons gained in demand, and while some antidotes, treatments and methods of avoiding poisons were very reliable, if not overly ritualistic, there were also a great many creative, and entirely inaccurate rituals. Drinking vessels made from a unicorn’s horn, rhino horn, or various gemstones were alleged to neutralize any poison contained in them. These materials, already valuable, became even more sought after, and could raise a huge price. Clever rogues took advantage of this, and persuaded wealthy customers that poisoners were everywhere, and that the only way they could save themselves was to buy the gemstone, chalice or whatever other charm was being offered. These very rogues could be responsible for the sudden epidemic of poisoning themselves! More easily obtainable anti-poison charms were also used, such as toadstones. Toadstones were the calcified stones from the stomach’s of toads. Some religious artifacts, such as amulets and talismans, were also thought to be protective against poisoning. These were largely introduced by Jews, a race with a mixed reputation with respect to poisoning. Most generally the rabbi would make amulets of paper, parchment, silver, gold or copper. The Jewish strictures forbid graven images, so the amulets were not iconic but rather textual. Any decorative elements were limited to patterns formed from the words themselves. The texts used vary widely. They often included is the word Shaddai, the names of various angels, or ritualistic formulae and acronyms. Talismans were very similar to amulets, but were on the borderline of what a faithful Jew could use, since the talisman bore graven images similar to an idol. These were more often sold to the people of other races and religions. Despite this association with protective charms, the scheming Jewish poisoner was a common figure of fear and hate.

POISON AND THE VICTORIAN AGE

The late 19th century, also known as the Victorian Age, was hotbed of poisoning. It was during the 19th century that the things we recognize as the sciences were formed and acquired their great cultural authority. The sciences developed in contexts shaped by the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the sweeping social and cultural changes of the century. Poison related sciences saw a revolution of their own in this turbulent time. While the reported cases of poisoning remained constant throughout the century, there were a number of high-profile murder cases involving poisoning that gave the impression of an epidemic, The purchase of such poisons as strychnine and arsenic had become a convenience, and poisoning had become a very popular topic with the press. Poisoning had most notably become a fashionable crime amongst the wealthy, compounded by the new popularity of the life insurance policy. Anyone with life insurance suddenly found they had a price on their head, ready to be collected by any scheming relative that could claim this reward if they simply managed to get away with murder. Poisoning was still the easiest form of murder to achieve this

unscrupulous goal. It could be done in secrecy and its proof relied purely on circumstantial evidence. As a result of the public's fear of poisoning, laws were hastily passed. Most notably, doctors were charged with the civil registration of death so that a body could be officially examined before it was disposed of. Poisoning was also a popular method of murder for the women of this era as well, and the poison most often used was arsenic. Many used arsenic as a rat poison and it was also used in women's cosmetics to improve complexion. Therefore few asked questions when a woman went into the chemist's shop and purchased some arsenic. They simply had to sign a book, called the Poison Book, stating what they had bought. These books were kept in every hardware store and chemist's shop. Forging one's name was a simple matter when traveling and a quite common thing for these Victorian murderers. In an attempt to get more poisoning convictions, the Victorian authorities turned to the greatly developing sciences, specifically toxicology and forensic medicine. Many of the tests used by these early toxicologists were unfortunately quite unreliable and therefore toxicology findings were often greatly disputed. As the field of forensics progressed throughout the 1900's, so did the science poison detection and the science of toxicology became more reliable and important. As the twentieth century progressed, so too did technology and science. Improvements in knowledge demanded that the use of poison as a weapon must evolve in order to remain covert and evade detection. Before, most cases of homicide by poison had been undertaken by those who had dealings with alchemy. During the 20th century, the source, preparation and administration of poisons was stripped down. Each process became cleaner, more intellectually mastered. The general populace was no longer a mob of ignorant peasants, but educated in the basics of reading, math and science. The rather complicated and technical business of poisoning was no longer shrouded in mystery, but was now available in print to those who actively sought it.

POISON AND MODERN MAN

Poisoning in the 20th century became overwhelming. Mankind was discovering new things. Industry, agriculture, petrochemistry, chemical warfare and pharmacology are but a few areas where hugely toxic agents were being put to use, often without the knowledge of their possible effects on life. Socially, people were discovering new ways in which to poison and abuse their own bodies for pleasure. The consequences of chronic alcohol abuse are well documented, and most people are aware of the effects that it can have on certain organs, for example steatosis, necrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. Education has also improved our understanding of the toxic potential of drugs, both prescription and non-prescription. During the last century, accidental and intentional suicide frequently found pharmaceutical drugs to be responsible. In response to the spread of cases of poisoning due to social and industrial causes, the field of toxicology grew. In cases of homicide, the poisons of old were still at large. Arsenic remained a favorite, and was especially so in the early part of the century. Cyanide was also too popular around the middle of the century. The poison found a niche during the second world war, and was used in liquid form as a suicidal tool for agents of the Resistance. Cyanide enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the latter half of the century, with most of the poison secreted in food, drink and pharmaceutical products. Although many of these classic poisons were in style, including strychnine, chloroform and abrin, a new trend was beginning to emerge. Murderers were using previously undiscovered or scarcely used poisons. The ways in which poisons were administered was also changing. Toxicology became ever more important as the effects of the newer poisons were not well documented, and symptoms were often mistaken for mysterious viral or endogenous illnesses. In many cases, 20th century poisoners felt that they were committing the perfect crime as many of their poisons were difficult to trace and diagnose. However, the massive advances in forensic toxicology made most cases of poisoning fallible, and it has only been via such advances that many murderers have been caught.

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CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES REALISTIC POISONS

In the real-world, when a person becomes the victim of poison, the effects and symptoms continue for hours, some will even persist for days before killing or subsiding. The rules provided in the Player's Handbook don't really reflect this, mainly because it's just more convenient for GMs to get the poison damage over and done with and not fiddle with bookkeeping. I feel that a GM should do what it takes to make his own life easy, but poison is a corner not to be cut. Role-playing continuing and agonizing symptoms makes the effects of poison more realistic, and is an essential (and often neglected) story-telling tool. If dramatic and imperiled gaming is your goal, it's worth it. The current D20 system of administering poisons is a bit too simplified to be realistic. Make your saving throw and nothing happens, fail the saving throw and you're suffering. Realworld poisons rarely take effect quickly and usually are accompanied by debilitating symptoms. With save or nothing poisons, high level characters will scoff at the most dangerous poisons. Even when the poison causes major damage if the saving throw is made, most high level characters have the hit points and the bonuses to shrug the effects off, or may even become "immune" to poison just by having unrelated skills and feats that boost fortitude. Here you'll find a summary of a more scalable system, its highlights and characteristics. With this new system you will be able to introduce threatening real-world poisons and their true effects into any new or on-going campaign.

POISON CLASSIFICATION

There are several different forms of poison to be found or crafted, and each has particular advantages. The following is a list of each type of possible classification. Ingested Poison: Ingested Poisons are poisons that are dangerous if consumed. The most common Ingested Poisons are crafted from plants or from common chemicals. Frequently, poisoning occurs accidentaly when a creature unknowingly consumes a poisonous plant, or a food that has been unintentionally contaminated. Some poisons carry a foul taste or odor. While strong food or drink can sometimes disguise these telltale signs, there is still a chance a creature will detect the poison before it can be consumed. The creature may make an Intellegence check using the DC of the poison in question, which may be modified by the GM depending on strength of spice, experience with particular poisons in the past, or inexperience with particular foods ("I've never had Red Eel Soup before"). This check should be performed secretly by the GM. Dermal Poison: Dermal poisons, also known as Contact Poisons, are oils or resins that are rapidly absorbed by the skin. These poisons are usually spread directly, or mixed with other substances and spread on objects that are commonly grasped by the hand, such as door knobs, envelopes or weapon handles. This poison also works as an Ingested Poison and a Subdermal Poison. It is incredibly difficult to detect this type of poison, unless precaution is taken to always wear protective gloves or always examine a surface before touching. The creature may make an Intellegence check with a -8 penalty, using the DC of the poison in question. This may be modified by the GM and

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should be performed secretly. Parenteral Poison: Parenteral poisons are poisons that must be introduced into the bloodstream to cause damage. These poisons are usually animal venoms injected with piercing bites, stings, or hollow needles. They may also be spread on slicing or stabbing weapons. Contrary to popular belief, these poisons cannot be “sucked out”. Consult the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Player’s Handbook for rules on handling poisoned weapons. Vaporised Poison: This is a cloud of poison, created by vaporising or spraying another type of poison. The poison may be deadly if inhaled or be a contact poison that is absorbed by the skin. In order for a poison to qualify as a respiratory agent, it must first be a liquid or a fine dust. The methods that are used to vaporise or spray a poison are many and varied. Aerosol cans, pressurized garden sprayers, candles, incense, heating elements, bellows, perfume atomizers, electric humidifiers and nebulizers are all typical examples of delivery systems. A minimum of .5oz/17g of poison is required for a direct attack, such as spraying in the face or eyes. For an area attack, such as a deadly cloud, 3oz/85g is required to make a cloud that fills a 5 cubic foot area. Every round a creature is exposed to a poisonous cloud, they must Save or becomed poisoned. A cloud of poison will linger in a still area for 10 minutes. A moderate wind (11+ mph) disperses a cloud in D4 Rounds. A strong wind (21+ mph) disperses a cloud in 1 Round.

DOSAGE

For every poisonous substance, there is a minimum specific amount required to be effective. Each poison in this book has it's dosage listed in standard and metric amounts, based on it's effect the average 20th Century human male. The main factor effecting a standard dose is size. CREATURE SIZES A creature's or character's size determines exactly how much poison is needed to cause an effect. The same amount of Barium Carbonate required to kill one man could kill a few pigs or dozens of mice, but wouldn't even slow an elephant. The table provides the conversion of the average dosage provided for the various sizes of different creatures. Creature Size Fine Diminutive Tiny Small Medium Large Huge Gargantuan Colossal

Creature Example Beetle Mouse Chicken Child Adult Horse Rhino Killer Whale Antarctic Blue Whale

Percent Of Average Dose .1% 1% 5% 25% 100% 900% 1,800% 15,600% 110,000%

EXAMPLE: The minimum amount of Yellow Desert Scorpion (Androctonus Australis) venom required to effect an adult human is .011oz(320mg). To determine how much of the venom is required to effect a rat, a diminutive creature, we consult the chart to find the percent of the average dose. The dose required to harm a diminutive creature is 1% of the average, or .00011oz(3.2mg).

CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES MULTIPLE DOSES It is possible to administer more than one dose to an individual, either by adding more doses to food and drink, multiple injections or bites & stings, multiple flesh contacts, or breathing inside particularly thick toxic clouds. Each additional dose always adds +1DC to the poison's base DC, adds +1 to the Duration and subtracts -1 from the Onset. Even high level characters should be concerned when a DC12 poison becomes a DC35 or DC45 poison! Additional doses may also have an effect on certain Symptoms or Damage induced by a poison. Multiple dosing also increases the chance that the poison will be detected, granting +1 to any Detect Poison checks per dose. The only restriction to multiple doses is a matter of volume; You can't put 10 gallons of rum in a 5-gallon keg! The amount of poison added to food or drink can never exceed 25% of the item's total volume. If there is more than this, animals will simply turn up their noses and people will be immediately cautious and refuse to eat. Therefore, a highly potent poison is a more likely candidate for multiple dosing than a poison that requires large amounts to be effective. COMBINING POISONS Mixed poisons are counted as multiple doses, always using the highest DC, adding +1 for the second poison and each additional dose for Fortitude and Crafting Checks. If there are symptoms common to each individual poison, the GM may decide to increase the severity, or simply apply the symptom as normal. In some cases, the chemistry of two or more poisons is incompatible, and will actually render both poisons harmless. If a Critical Failure is rolled when making a Craft Skill check, the poisons have become inert and harmless. The GM should make a note that those poisons are not compatible and can never be mixed successfully.

ONSET & DURATION

While some real-world poison can work immediately, most do not. Some can take a few seconds, while others can take hours, days or even weeks. Each poison has a differing Onset time, the earliest point in time at which the poisoning process takes place. An approximate Onset time has been provided for each poison, and the GM should determine and apply this time secretly. It greatly adds to a player's anxiety when kept in the dark about possible contaminations. What was that oily fluid on the needle trap? What does it smell like? Do I feel anything? When nothing happens in the span of a turn or so, a player may brush it off and celebrate his good fortune, only to suffer the first symptoms a few hours later in confusion. How long these symptoms persist is determined by the Duration. Like Onset, Duration times can vary greatly. Duration not only determines how long symptoms persist, but also the persistence of some Damage effects. Duration should also be determined secretly by the GM when determining Onset time.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are a characteristic indication of the existence of disease or poisoning, especially when experienced by a character as a change from normal, but more than that, they can be

a hinderance in their own right. Symptoms can arise together, or far apart, at anytime during the Duration of the poison. Generally, these Symptoms will persist until the malady has been cured or allowed to run it's course. The GM may assign a time line for the poison and it's Symptoms, roll randomly for them, assign triggers to particular Symptoms, or can simply apply them as needed or desired. Timeline Symptoms: A precise way for a GM to apply Symptoms is to set a timeline for them. For example, a particular poison has a Duration of three hours and has five Symptoms. The GM decides to divide the symptoms up in the first two hours, and assigns damage in the third. So for the next two hours, the character will experience a new Symptom every 24 minutes. Triggered Symptoms: With this method the GM can associate symptoms with any number of events. Linking the onset of symptoms with physical trauma, failed rolls, stressful situations, or strenuous activity are good examples. A player may even learn to avoid certain activities if he knows his character will suffer if he does not. Applied Symptoms: This is by far the easiest method. The GM simply applies the symptoms when he feels like it, all at once or whenever. This is a convenient way for a GM to advance a story line, keep a player from overstepping boundaries, or use as an in-game punishment for inappropriate behavior. LIST OF SYMPTOMS The following is a list of typical Symptoms, their descriptions, and their effect on game play and combat. If more than one Symptom affects a character, apply them all. In all cases, apply the most severe effect first. If at any time a GM feels that a Symptom is not severe enough, he may increase the penalties. Agitation: Those who exhibit signs of Agitation will be very angry, fidgety, nervously jumping at noises and unable to focus. -3 penalty on all skill checks, -2 Effective Charisma. Albinism: The skin of the creature is deathly pale and the eyes are a pinkish hue. Creature suffers double damage from all Sun/Light effects or attacks (all checks concerning Heat Dangers caused by direct sunlight suffer a -1 as well). Anxiety: This symptom is noted as feelings of fear and apprehension, even in calm and safe situations. -2 Morale penalty on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls and saving throws, -1 Effective Charisma. Blindness: Vision has been totally or partially be eliminated. The creature may see blackness, brightness, moving shadows, swirling colors or any combination of these. This works as the spell Blindness and Dungeon Master's Guide regarding Blindness for game purposes. Blister: A blister is local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid. While basically harmless themselves, a multitude

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CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES of oddly colored blisters are rather unsightly. -1 Effective Charisma, +1 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Blurred Vision: It becomes difficult to focus on close and distant objects, giving the creature a blurry perspective. A creature with blurred vision, in addition to obvious effects, suffers a 20% miss chance in combat (half concealment), loses any Effective Dexterity bonus for AC, moves at 25% speed, suffers a -1 penalty on Strength and Dexterity Skills and attackers are granted a +1 bonus to Attack Rolls. Consult the Dungeon Master's Guide regarding Blindness. Body Aches: A Body Ache is a dull, steady pain that generally effects muscles and joints. This pain discourages movement, as the pain increases as the body becomes active. -1 Effective Dexterity, -2 penalty on Strength and Dexterity Skills. Chills: This symptom is a sensation of coldness, even in hot climates, accompanied by shivering. This is often a very good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. -1 penalty on Dexterity Skills. Confusion: Those that become confused behave randomly, may speak of or ask about unrelated things, and have difficulty staying focused on any one task. This works as the spell Confusion and Dungeon Master's Guide regarding Confusion for game purposes. Convulsions/Seizures: This symptom is an uncontrolled fit of involuntary muscular contraction that will randomly start and stop with little provocation. GM rolls a D6 secretly to determine the amount of Convulsions/Seizures the creature will suffer within the span of the poison's Duration, and can apply them at GM's Discretion. A creature suffering from Convulsions/Seizures is treated as Incapacitated and Helpless for game purposes. Cough: A cough is a sudden and noisy expulsion of air from the lungs to keep the respiratory passages free of irritating material. -5 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require stealth, silence or a clear voice, such as Move Silently or Intimidate. Verbal spell casting is not possible. Cramps: Cramps are a sudden, involuntary, muscular contraction that cause sharp pain, often occurring in the leg or shoulder. GM rolls a D10 secretly to determine the amount of Cramps the creature will suffer within the span of the poison's Duration, and can apply them at GM's Discretion. A cramp lasts 1D4 Rounds and a creature suffering from Cramps is considered Checked for gaming purposes. Deafness: Those with Deafness have mostly, or completely, lost their sense of hearing. There may be a dull ringing, deep muffled bumping, high or low humming, or any combination of these. This works as the spell Deafness and Dungeon Master's Guide regarding Deafness for game purposes. Diarrhea: To put it bluntly, Diarrhea is excessive and frequent evacuation of watery crap. This can be horribly inconvenient to a person, to say the least. GM rolls a D4 secretly to

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determine the amount of "squirt-attacks" the creature will suffer within the span of the poison's Duration, and can apply them at GM's Discretion. A creature suffering from an attack has 2D6 Rounds to get his arse out of his trousers. A creature may simply ignore the attack of course, possibly at the expense of a pair of pants or good boots. Discoloration: This is an odd change in the color of the skin or other tissues. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Difficulty Speaking: The creature has lost all or most of the ability to speak. Conversation and verbal spell casting are impossible, as are any Skills or Feats that require a clear voice. Dizziness: Creatures suffering from this symptom have a whirling or spinning sensation in their mind and have a tendency to fall down. Dizziness lasts for the Duration of toxication and is treated as a Staggered condition for game purposes. Additionally, the creature must make a Reflex Saving Throw at -3 when attempting any task more difficult than walking or become Prone. Drooling: Drooling creatures have an excess of saliva running from the mouth. -2 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require a clear voice, -1 Effective Charisma, Verbal spell casting is not possible. Drowsiness: A Drowsy creature has become dull and sluggish with sleepiness. -1 Effective Strength, -1 Effective Dexterity, Any prolonged of difficult activity will cause the creature to become Fatigued. Euphoria: This symptom grants a feeling of great happiness or well-being to the affected creature, rarely making attacks, even when presented with very dangerous or hostile situations. A creature experiencing Euphoria is treated as Confused for game purposes, except that if attacked they will simply wander away in confusion, unless prevented. Fainting: Fainting is an abrupt and brief loss of consciousness. GM rolls a D4 secretly to determine the amount of Fainting spells the creature will suffer within the span of the poison's Duration, and can apply them at GM's Discretion. Each Fainting spell lasts 2D4+1 Rounds. For game purposes, the creature is Staggered the first Round, becoming Unconscious and falling, then rousing and becoming Prone the final Round. Fatigue: A Fatigued creature is physically weary. This works as the Dungeon Master's Guide regarding Fatigue for game purposes. Fever: The creature has abnormally high body temperature, even in freezing weather. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Flatulence: To put it bluntly, Flatulence is frequent and

CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES noisy expulsion of foul smelling intestinal gas through the anus. While this can be entertaining, ignored, or even respectable in limited company, it is generally a hinderance in most situations. -8 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require stealth or silence during the duration, -2 Effective Charisma(Optional).

Intoxication: This symptom resembles drunkenness, as if the creature were delirious with strong drink. -5 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats, -2 Wisdom & Intelligence, Treat as Staggered for game purposes. Critical Failures require the creature to make a Fortitude Save or be treated as Stunned for the next D4 Rounds.

Frothing: A creature with this symptom has a foam of saliva churning from the mouth. Treat as Drooling for game purposes.

Irritation: This is sensation of soreness or tenderness of the skin or other tissues. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills.

Hair Loss: The creature has begun visibly losing random clumps of hair, fur, feathers, scales, etc. -3 Effective Charisma. Hallucinations: A creature suffering from constant Hallucinations has the false perception of visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory experiences Roll D6 that are seemingly real. Those 1 Colors & Lights 2 Glowing Auras experiencing Hallucinations can 3 Frightening Visions be treated as suffering from 4 Self-Delusions 5 Whispering Voices Confusion, or can instead experience one of the following Hallucinations: 6 Roll Twice Colors & Lights: The creature sees a twisting pattern of rainbow colored clouds and sparkles in the air. This pattern causes the creature to become fascinated and he/she gazes at the display as if hypnotized. Treat as the Rainbow Pattern spell for game purposes. Glowing Auras: The creature sees bright auras of color around other creatures and objects. Treat as Dazzled for game purposes. Frightening Visions: The creature sees fearful images everywhere. They may see monsters, hordes of insects, ghosts, or the things they most fear. Treat as Frightened for game purposes. Self-Delusions: The creature believes that he is something else entirely. The creature may believe that he is a plant or another inanimate object, a monster, or another character or class and the Hallucinations will change to support the delusion. Whispering Voices: The creature hears paranoid voices that warn him of false enemies and tell him do things. Treat as Shaken for game purposes.

Headache: The creature is suffering a localized pain in the head. -5 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require mental concentration. Incoordination: Uncoordinated creatures lack normal control of muscular movement. -5 penalty on any attempts to Attack, Defend, or perform Skills or Feats that require coordination, -2 Effective Dexterity. Critical Failures require the creature to make a Reflex Save or suffer an immediate attack of opportunity from all opponents currently engaged. Inflammation: Inflammation is characterized by light pain, redness, and minor swelling. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills.

Itchiness: The creature has a constant itching sensation, making him restless, not able to relax or be still. -1 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require mental concentration. Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes and skin caused by deposits of bile salts. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Labored Breathing: The creature is having difficulty breathing, loudly sucking at air with quick, forced breaths. -5 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require stealth, silence or a clear voice, such as Hide or Listen. Verbal spell casting is not possible. Treat as Staggered for game purposes. Localized Pain: Localized Pain is a sharp and steady pain limited to a specific body part. Any creature suffering localized pain must make a successful Fortitude Save or be treated as Entangled for game purposes until the pain subsides. Memory Loss: The creature suffers from partial or total loss of memory. In order to perform a mental task, including spell casting and psionics, a successful Will Save must be made until memory returns. Nausea/Vomiting: The creature suffers from a feeling of sickness in the stomach and has an urge to vomit. Treat as Nauseated for game purposes. Critical Failures require the creature to make a Fortitude Save or immediately Vomit. A Vomiting creature is treated as Stunned for D4 Rounds, plus all other Nauseated creatures must make a Fortitude Save +3 or immediately Vomit themselves. Nosebleed: A cut has opened in the creatures nose and has begun to bleed. While rarely dangerous, bleeding from the nose can be unsettling. Treat creatures with a Nosebleed as Shaken for game purposes. A Nosebleed is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +1 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Numbness: Numbness is the inability to feel physical sensations. A numbed creature has a -1 penalty on all Reflex

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CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES Saves. Pain: Pain is a manifestation of physical suffering, usually caused by injury or illness. -2 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require mental concentration. Rapid Pulse: The creature has an abnormally fast heartbeat that can easily be felt by others through contact. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +1 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Rash: The creature is suffering from a large ugly, patchy inflammation on the skin. Rashes are very uncomfortable and most are unsightly. GM may place the rash at Discretion, or roll on a random body part table. -1 Effective Charisma (if the rash can be seen) Red Skin: SEE: Discoloration Sore Throat: The throat of the creature has become raw and inflamed, characterized by pain in swallowing. Treat as Cough for game purposes. Sweating: A creature is sweating a great deal more than average, even in freezing weather. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +1 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Swelling: The flesh in a particular area has formed a large, hard, painful lump. Does little to effect game play, but is a good indication of certain illnesses or toxication. +2 bonus to all Healing/Medical Skills. Thirst: The creature has an abnormally great desire to drink. The creature must consume at least 8oz of water each hour, or sustain D4 points of subdual damage. Vertigo: The creature's natural sense of balance has been totally negated. The creature suffers a -8 penalty to Attack, Defense, Skill and Feat Rolls, and a -4 Effective Dexterity. Movement is at half speed. Once each Round, the creature should make a Reflex Check to avoid falling down or become Prone. Watery Eyes: The creature's eyes have begun producing an overabundance of tears. Treat as Blurred Vision for game purposes. Weakness: Weak creatures have become feeble, being without much physical strength or vigor. Treat as Exhausted for game purposes. Wheezing: The creature can only breathe with difficulty, making a hoarse, loud rasping, or whistling sound with each breath. -8 penalty on any attempts to perform Skills or Feats that require stealth, silence or a clear voice, such as Hide or Listen. Verbal spell casting is not possible. Treat as Staggered for game purposes.

DAMAGE

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Some poisons do more than cause a few points of damage before fading away. Some poisons can cause lingering or permanent damage that can plague a creature for a lifetime. Damage could heal over time, or if more serious, may require highly skilled and expensive medical care to heal. Just like symptoms, the GM may assign a time line for the poison Damage, roll randomly for it, assign triggers to particular Damage, or can simply apply them as needed or desired. It takes just one deadly poison attack to rob a character of mobility, strength, or even memories, making poison a more terrifying prospect. DAMAGING EFFECTS The following is a list of typical special Damage, descriptions, and effect on game play and combat. If more than one Damage affects a character, apply them all. In all cases, apply the most severe effect first. If at any time a GM feels that the Damage is not severe enough, he may increase the penalties. Anti-Coagulation: A victim of Anti-Coagulation finds that his wounds will refuse to stop bleeding. At the end of every round after being wounded, the creature must make a Fortitude Save (-1 per Hit Point of damage). A success means that the bleeding was light and no damage taken this round. Failure means that bleeding is profuse enough to cause 1HP of damage this. A Critical Failure means that bleeding is so profuse it causes 3HP of damage. Only a Critical Success roll from a Healing Skill check or other pertinent medical skill can stop the bleeding, otherwise the blood loss will continue for the Duration. Brain Damage: This is direct damage to the tissues of the brain. Even mild Brain Damage can be a serious thing to a creature. Mild Brain Damage incurs a -1 Effective Intelligence until the damage can be healed. Brain Damage incurs a -2 Effective Intelligence and -1 Effective Wisdom, plus the creature suffers Memory Loss until the damage can be healed. Severe Brain Damage incurs a -D4+1 Effective Intelligence and -2 Effective Wisdom, plus the creature suffers Confusion until the damage can be healed. Extreme Brain Damage incurs a -D6+2 Effective Intelligence and -D4+1 Effective Wisdom, plus the creature suffers Vertigo until the damage can be healed. Coma: A creature suffering a Coma is in a state of deep, prolonged unconsciousness. But more than mere Sleep or Unconsciousness, the creature has become incapable of sensing or responding to any external stimulus or need. A Coma lasts for the duration of the poison, furthermore no outside force, apart from a minor miracle, can rouse a Comatose creature until the duration has expired, even if the poison has been removed or any damage has been cured. Dehydration: The creature suffers an excessive loss of water from the body. Treat as Thirst Danger for game purposes. Insomnia: The creature suffers periods sleeplessness. Before bedding down, the creature must make a Fortitude Save. Success means a restless, but full night sleep. If the roll is failed, they lose a few hours of sleep that night, and will be

CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES treated as Drowsy until a full amount of rest can be had. More severe cases require a Fortitude Save -5. Success mean they only lose a few hours of sleep that night, and will be treated as Drowsy until a full amount of rest can be had. Failure means the creature gets no sleep, and is treated as Fatigued until a full amount of rest can be had.

Dexterity and -1 Effective Strength, plus the creature is treated as Stunned until the damage can be healed.

Kidney Damage: The Kidneys are a pair of organs that maintain proper water balance, and filter the blood of wastes. When these become damaged, a creature will have a decreased capacity against toxins in the blood, including those produced by the body. Mild Kidney Damage incurs a -2 Effective Constitution until the damage can be healed. Kidney Damage incurs a -3 Effective Constitution and -1 Effective Strength, plus the creature is treated as Shaken until the damage can be healed. Severe Kidney Damage incurs a -D6+1 Effective Constitution and -2 Effective Strength, plus the creature suffers Fatigue until the damage can be healed. Extreme Kidney Damage incurs a -2D4+2 Effective Constitution and -D6+1 Effective Strength, plus the creature is treated as Disabled until the damage can be healed.

Reduced Healing: The creature has a reduced capacity for natural healing, and a resistance to external healing attempts. All healing is reduced by 25%.

Laryngitis: Laryngitis is a painful inflammation of the vocal cords. Any tasks that require voice are not possible until the damage has been healed or runs it's course. Liver Damage: The Liver is the organ responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins extracted from food. Mild Liver Damage incurs a -2 Effective Constitution until the damage can be healed. Liver Damage incurs a -2 Effective Constitution, plus the creature is treated as Nauseated until the damage can be healed. Severe Liver Damage incurs a -3 Effective Constitution, plus the creature suffers both Fatigue and Nausea until the damage can be healed. Extreme Liver Damage incurs a -4 Effective Constitution and -1 Effective Strength, plus the creature is treated as both Nauseated and Exhausted until the damage can be healed. Lung Damage: The Lungs are respiratory organs that remove carbon dioxide from the blood and provide it with fresh oxygen. A creature with Mild Lung Damage is treated as Entangled until the damage can be healed. A creature with Lung Damage incurs a -1 Effective Constitution, and is treated as Entangled until the damage can be healed. Severe Lung Damage incurs a -2 Effective Constitution, plus the creature suffers Fatigue until the damage can be healed. Extreme Lung Damage incurs a -2 Effective Constitution, plus the creature is treated as Exhausted until the damage can be healed. Nerve Damage: Nerves carry impulses to and from the brain and other parts of the body, such as the muscles. Mild Nerve Damage incurs a -1 Effective Dexterity until the damage can be healed. Nerve Damage incurs a -2 Effective Dexterity, plus the creature is treated as Shaken until the damage can be healed. Severe Nerve Damage incurs a -4 Effective Dexterity, plus the creature is treated as Entangled until the damage can be healed. Extreme Nerve Damage incurs a -D6+2 Effective

Paralyzation: The creature or creature's limb has been rendered partly or completely unable to move or feel sensations, Treat as Paralyzed for gaming purposes.

Shock: Shock is a failure of the circulatory system characterized by depression of various vital signs. A creature going into Shock has a -4 Effective Constitution, but may still move and perform tasks at a -2 penalty for the next 2D6 Rounds. Each round after this, the creature must make a Fortitude Save -5 or become Unconscious for the remainder of the Duration. Sleep: The creature cannot stay awake. Treat as Sleep spell for game purposes. Spine Damage: The Spine is a column of bone that protects the main bundle of nerves for the body. Damage to this part of the body can mean the end of an adventuring career if medical science is not advanced enough or magic healing is unavailable. Mild Spine Damage incurs a -2 Effective Dexterity, plus the creature suffers Severe Localized Pain until the damage can be healed. Spine Damage incurs a -4 Effective Dexterity and -1 Effective Strength, plus the creature is treated as Staggered until the damage can be healed. Severe Spine Damage incurs a -8 Effective Dexterity and -3 Effective Strength, plus the creature suffers Paralyzation below the point of injury until the damage can be healed. Extreme Spine Damage incurs a -10 Effective Dexterity and -4 Effective Strength, plus the creature suffers Permanent Paralyzation. Stroke: A Stroke is a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain that causes terrible damage. Treat as Permanent Severe Brain Damage. Unconsciousness: This creature is temporarily lacking consciousness! Treat as Knocked Down and Helpless for game purposes. Vessel Damage: The Blood Vessels of the creature have become damaged and cannot efficiently deliver blood. Any Critical Failures require the creature to make a Fortitude Save or immediately "black-out".The creature is then treated as Unconsciousness for D4 Rounds.

POISON DC

Each time poison damage is applied, the creature must make a Fortitude Save against the poison's DC (which could be modified by Multiple Doses). Success means that the Save conditions are applied. This could mean a reduction or elimination of Duration or individual Damage. Failure means the damage or duration continues unhindered.

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CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES The DC of a poison also serves as the Craft DC and Detect DC. This is used to make any necessary Craft checks when refining or extracting a specific quantity of the poison, and also when using appropriate skills to detect the poison in food, autopsies, etc.

CRAFTING POISONS

To craft a poison, a character requires either the Alchemy Skill or Craft (Chemical) Skill, but with the following addendums: Obtaining Formulas, Gather & Prepare Raw Materials and Possess Alchemy or Chemistry Equipment.

STEP 1 - OBTAINING FORMULAS

Just because you know a plant or animal to be poisonous, it does not mean you know the proper dosages of it's venom to poison someone. or how much is deadly. A character must acquire individual formulas before any poison can be crafted or used properly. A character starts with knowledge of Intelligence*Rank of Alchemy Skill (or Craft (Chemical) Skill) formulas maximum. For example, a PC with 2 ranks and an Intelligence of 12 will start with 24 formulas. Additional formulas may be researched in the lab, found in ancient tomes or modern texts, bought or traded for, stolen from competitors or even given as payment for services rendered. One thing is for certain, assassins jealously guard their poisons and those in power and need are constantly on the look-out for those who have knowledge of these toxins. ANTIDOTES It is assumed, for game purposes, that if a player has knowledge of a particular poison formula, then that player also can formulate a suitable antidote for said poison before hand. If the poison is a new discovery, then an antidote must be formulated with working Alchemy/Chemistry equipment, having the same methods, bonuses and restrictions as crafting a poison. If the antidote is crafted and administered successfully, the character may add the antidote formula to his Diary. Venom Antidote, or Antivenin, is drop for drop one of the most valuable and costly substances in the world. Specially prepared antivenins are the only antidote for deadly animal bites & stings. They are made by injecting large animals with close to lethal doses of a specific animal venom until the animal develops immunity to the toxin. Serum, the thin, watery fluid component of blood is then extracted and processed as an antivenin. The most commonly used animal is the horse, but other farm mammals can be used. Increasing doses of venom are injected into the blood until the animal eventually becomes hyper-immunized. The immunized blood is drawn and the serum removed. The serum then passes through various stages of refinement before it is released for use on humans. The main purpose is to extract immunoglobulin. These are processed by the body to isolate the antigens that causes the production of antibodies to neutralize the venom. These antivenins are very practical, however since they are an animal protein derivative there is a small percentage of people who react dangerously to it. They display a hyper-allergic reaction that can lead to a possibly fatal anaphylactic shock. In

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a hospital situation, a cocktail of antihistamines and hydrocortisones are administered. Then a small test sample of antivenin is administered and the reaction noted before a full dose is injected. When this test is administered the character must make a Fortitude save with a +2. If the test is passed, the character may be administered a full dose of serum. If the test is failed, the character will receive no benefit from the serum, and in fact will suffer double-damage if the serum is administered. To calculate the dose of anti-venom needed for a particular patient one has to take into account various aspects. However for the purposes of game play, use the dosing chart. Minimal Envenomization: 50mg are given if symptoms are mild. Moderate Envenomization: 100mg vials are given if symptoms are moderate, paralysis, or bleeding occurs. Severe Envenomization: 250mg are given if symptoms are severe or the victim is unconscious. Monovalent Serums: The production of serum from a single venom is known as a monovalent antivenin and will only counteract the specific animal venom administered to the animal. A monovalent serum will give the victim another chance to save, plus add a +10 to the save against it's specific venom derivative. Further it will reduce damage, duration and recovery time by an additional 50%. Polyvalent Serums: When a cocktail of venoms is used in the hyper-immunization process the serum produced is a polyvalent serum and is effective against a range of venoms. However the addition of each venom causes a loss of efficiency and potency in the antivenin as a whole. So a delicate balance of like venoms is usually used to produce an antivenin against the known animals of a given area. A bivalent serum will give the victim another chance to save, plus add a +6 to the save against one of two specific venom derivatives. Further it will reduce recovery time, damage, and duration by an additional 40%. A trivalent serum will give the victim another chance to save, plus add a +1 to the save against one of three specific venom derivatives. Further it will reduce damage, duration and recovery time by an additional 25%.

STEP 2 - GATHERING & PREPARING RAW MATERIALS

Poisons and raw materials for poison are rarely sold in stores, so an assassin who wants to be assured of pure ingredients must often go looking for them at the source. This can be as simple as a walk to the local greenhouse or a difficult breaking-and- entering. It takes about 10 minutes per DC point of the poison to find a large enough amount of common poisonous materials to use, be it animal, vegetable, or mineral. It is possible, and advisable, for a character to prepare extra ingredients when abundant and easily to obtain. They may also cultivate a garden, raise poisonous animals or stockpile chemicals. This allows a character to keep the special ingredients on hand, so there is no need to scramble around searching for that special chemical compound or certain redbacked spider.

CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES HARVESTING & PRESERVING MATERIAL Harvesting plants and extracting venom for raw materials is the least expensive method of obtaining poisons and poison components. A great deal of material can be gathered when abundant and stored for later. Many assassins will cultivate a secret garden or snake pit for this purpose. Besides being inexpensive and convenient, it insures the assassin a measure of secrecy and assures quality poisons.

Bark

Preparation Time: 1D4 Weeks Shelf Life: Two Years The bark from shrubs is easily collected by scraping the trunk and stems with a knife or dagger. The bark is then scraped and cut into manageable sizes for drying. Dried bark can be boiled or ground into a fine powder.

Bulbs

Preparation Time: 2D4 Days Shelf Life: Two Years Bulbs are cut from the root system with a knife, then dug up. In dry conditions, bulbs can be left in the field to cure. Curing allows the natural dormancy of the poison to develop and also dries out the bulb to protect against disease. A bulb that has been cured correctly will have a dry, shrunken neck and dry outer scales.

Flowers/Flower Buds

Preparation Time: 1D6+6 Days Shelf Life: Indefinite Choose flowers just before their peak or at their peak as many flowers continue to mature even after picking. Hang flowers upside down in a dry, warm environment, out of direct sunlight. Flower buds should be picked when they are no more than 2" across. Heads that have any flowers already open are past their prime. The smaller and more compact the head is, the more potent it will be.

Fruit/Berries

Preparation Time: 2D4 Days Shelf Life: Six Weeks Peels, cores, seeds or pits are removed, then the fruit is cut into thin slices. Fruit is dry when it is soft and pliable with no moist area in the center when cut.

Leaves

Preparation Time: 2D4 Days Shelf Life: Two Years Leaves generally have fullest concentration of oils just before flowering. Leaves can be cut after flowering, but they will be less potent. Small leaved herbs can be cut by the bunch instead of individual leaf.

Mushrooms

Preparation Time: 3D8+12 Hours Shelf Life: Six Weeks

Mushrooms are prepared quickly after picking. They are quickly rinsed and all foriegn material is removed. Small pieces are dried in the sun.

Pods

Preparation Time: 2D6 Days Shelf Life: Two Years Pods are harvested by hand, stripping pods from branches. This is a very delecate job, using the least force necessary to remove mature pods. Immature pods remain on the branch to mature for subsequent harvest. Dry pods are pounded in a mortar and pestle and the powder dried again until moisture content is gone.

Pollen

Preparation Time: 2D4 Days Shelf Life: Indefinite Partially opened buds are usually the best sources for pollen, because open flowers are often contaminated with pollen from other plants or have already shed the pollen. For removing pollen from a plant, a steady hand and special tools are needed. Several pairs of fine-tipped forceps, razor blades, glass or paper and small envelopes.

Roots/Tubers

Preparation Time: 1D4 Days Shelf Life: Six Weeks The entire plant is pulled or dug up and wash ed in cool water. The side roots and root hairs are trimed off, split in half lengthwise and air dried.

Sap

Preparation Time: 2D4 Hours Shelf Life: Indefinite To obtain sap, a plant must be wounded by piercing the stem or by peeling off a thin layer of the bark. Most tree saps thicken and harden when exposed to the air, but some trees produce liquid resins. Air-hardened resins can be stored indefinitely in air-tight containers. Small plants produce either watery or milky saps. Any milky sap exuded by plants is called latex. These saps can be gathered by mashing the root or plant. All latex should be reduced to syrup by boiling for long-term storage.

Seeds

Preparation Time: 1D2 Hours Shelf Life: Indefinite To harvest seeds from fruit or vegetables, the fruit is allowed to ripen on the vine or plant to the point that it is overripe. The fruit or vegetable is mashed gently and the seeds are soaked in water.

PREPARING POISONS

The poisonous parts of plants are usually too bulky to be

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CHAPTER 1 - POISON RULES used properly. Sometimes the amount of poison needed to do any damage requires a bushel of leaves or huge chunks of roots. By refining the poisons from the bulk of the plant, it is made easier to store and carry. Preparing the raw materials gathered from plant matter also makes the poisons simple to measure and administer and can make disguising foul odors or flavors easier.

Extract

Preparation Time: Three Weeks +1D4 Hours Shelf Life: Two Months An extract is obtained by steeping an ingredient in water, alcohol, ether, or a combination of these liquids and then concentrating the preparation by evaporating it, usually in a still. The ingredient is steeped for several weeks. Then the liquid is strained off and distilled until most of the liquid has evaporated and the extract has the required consistency.

Maceration

Preparation Time: 1 Day +2D12 Hours Shelf Life: 24 Hours Macerations are used for the most delicate herbs and flowers, which lose much of their poisons if exposed to boiling water. The plant material is soaked in water, alcohol or wine at a room temperature. Most Macerations should be used within a day or so of making.

Oil Infusion

Preparation Time: 6 Days +1D8 Days Shelf Life: Six Months Oils are commonly used for contact poisons. Oils are prepared by steeping fresh or dried ingredients a pure type of vegetable fat in a sunny place and then straining. Once prepared, oils must be stored in dark bottles and in a cool place, regardless of the type of oil used. Oils make the best contact poisons, as they have a thick consistency, rarely have a noticable odor, and retain potency for a long time.

Syrup

Preparation Time: 20 minutes +1D10 Minutes Shelf Life: Two Years Syrups can be made by adding sugar to an infusion and boiling until the excess water has evaporated. This sweetness can sometimes disguise foul flavors and the thick poison can be stored longer. The proper poison syrup can also be used as a short-term contact poison.

Trituration

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes + Drying Time Shelf Life: One Year Trituration is the grinding of dried materials in a mortar with a pestle or adding Extracts to an inert powder. Powders are a favored type of poison among professionals. They easy to manufacture and dose, relatively easy to store and simple to administer in food or beverages. Dry powders can also be placed inside empty capsules made from a gelatin that dissolve in liquid. This method is preferred when time isn't an issue, since the drying of plant material takes some time.

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Surgical Extraction

Preparation Time: 1D4 Hours Shelf Life: 24 Hours/One Month (Refrigerated) Most common is the surgical removal of the venom-producing organ, especially when dealing with low technology or unusual creatures. This always kills the animal and provides only a minimal amount of toxin in most cases, unless large numbers of animals are dissected. The amount of venom extracted depends on the animal.

Milking (Snake)

Preparation Time: 1D4+3 Hours Shelf Life: 24 Hours/One Month (Refrigerated) Requirements: 4Ranks of Handle Animal Skill A small container is covered with an elastic or leathery sheet and secured. A handler then carefully holds the snake by the head and gently forces the fangs into the sheet. Venom is extracted with gentle pressure on the venom glands. The instincts of the agitated snake cause it to discharge 4oz of venom into the container.

Negative Pressure Extraction

Preparation Time: 2D6 Hours Shelf Life: 24 Hours/One Month (Refrigerated) Requirements: 6Ranks of Handle Animal Skill Fangs or stingers are inserted into thick, soft vinyl tubing. The mouth is suctioned with a pipette attached to a vacuum trap. This is more difficult than milking, but yields double the venom.

Electrolysis Milking

Preparation Time: 1D4+3 Hours Shelf Life: 24 Hours/One Month (Refrigerated) Venom extraction from insects can be achieved by electrical stimulation of the fangs or stinger into microfuge tubes. The scorpion's cauda is placed in a small trough is grazed with direct current.

STEP 3 - ALCHEMY/CHEMISTRY EQUIPMENT

The laboratory must be set up in an enclosed area in a fixed and stable location. A constant temperature must be maintained, and the area must be protected from drafts, humidity excessive sunlight, excessive smoke, and any kind of vibration. Tool Sheds, Inn Rooms, Houses, Motel Rooms, Basements, Cargo Vans, Dungeon Rooms, and Covered Wagons can all be acceptable if they meet these parameters. If a lab must be moved or for any reason needs to be set up again, this can be achieved. It takes 8 hours for a lab to be properly packed. Failure to properly pack a lab before moving results in a loss of lab chemicals and equipment. This subtracts from the DC bonus normally granted for a complete and functioning lab. This loss is determined at the GM's discretion. A lab that has been set up in a vehicle must also be packed before moving and set up before use by the same rules, or suffer the same losses and damage, plus an additional loss of -2, due to spills, breakage and even possible fires. Fortunately, moble labs are designed to be easy to move, so packing a mobile lab takes only D2 hours.

CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS SCORPIONS

Scorpions have, since the earliest civilizations, captured both the fascination and fear of man. People certainly have good reason to fear scorpions.

SCORPION MYTH AND LORE

In Babylonian mythology, the Scorpion Men were fearsome warriors. They were the children of Tiamat, the motherdragon of the universe. Half-man and half-scorpion, they had human heads and arms and were scorpions from the waist down, with powerful tails that they used in combat. They also fought with their bows and arrows, which never missed. The Babylonians believed the Scorpion Men were the sacred guardians of their sun god, Shamash. In a Greek legend, Orion was a follower of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Eventually, Orion is said to have raped one of Artemis' female companions, and she decided to kill him for it. Artemis sent the Scorpion after Orion, which tracked him down and killed him with his sting. Orion was then given a place among the stars, far away from the Scorpion to keep him safe. You can still see the constellation of Scorpio rising just as Orion is setting on the western horizon! The ancient Egyptians believed in a scorpion goddess with a woman's head, named Meretseger, though she would also appear as a cobra. She protected the Valley of Kings, where all the Egyptian pharaohs lay buried. Meretseger would spit venom at anyone who tried to disturb a pharaoh's tomb. The people of Deir el-Medina (those who built the royal tombs) thought she would punish workers who committed crimes. But if the criminal truly felt sorry for what had been done, Meretseger would quickly heal the wound. Many Egyptian legends feature scorpions, notably the story of Isis, the wife of Osiris, and her travels to the Town of the Two Sisters to escape Osiris's evil brother Set. Seven scorpions traveled with Isis to protect her, and every night she warned the scorpions to be careful and speak to no one, for fear of Set. They came to the Town of the Two Sisters, along the Nile delta. In her fear of Set, a wealthy noblewoman shut the door to her home as she saw the goddess and her companions approach. Instead a poor farmer's daughter offered the Goddess a place in her humble home. Six of the scorpions, angered by the noblewoman's behavior, gave their venom to the seventh, Tefen, who crawled under the door of the lady's house and stung her son. As the boy was dying, she wandered through the town looking for help. Isis heard her cries and decided to save her son, even though the woman had been inhospitable to her. She named each of the seven scorpions, showing power over them and detoxifying their combined venom. The noblewoman was so impressed by Isis' unconditional kindness, she awarded her and the peasant girl all she owned. Every April 23, parts of Mexico celebrate the feast day of San Jorge, patron saint of protection against scorpions. The feast was instituted in 1740 by Bishop Pedro Anselmo Sanchez de Tagle, who prayed that God would "placate his ire and

destroy the scorpions and other deadly insects with which this country is inundated."

UNDERSTANDING SCORPIONS

Scorpions are venomous arthropods that belong to the class Arachnida and are considered relatives of spiders, mites, and ticks. There are approximately 1,100 species of scorpions known worldwide. Most scorpions are nocturnal, hiding under rocks, in cracks, or within burrows during the day, and coming out after sunset. Although they are normally associated with hot, dry areas like deserts, scorpions are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, savannas, deciduous forests, mountain pine forests, rain forest, and caves. Scorpions have even been found under snow-covered rocks at elevations of over 12,000 feet in the Andes Mountains of South America and the Himalayas of Asia. Scorpions are easily distinguished from other arachnids by their large, well developed claws and distinct division of the abdomen into a broad preabdomen seven segments long and narrow, tail-like post-abdomen five segments long. Scorpions have a unique pair of sense organs called pectines on their backs. These are usually larger and contain more "teeth" in the male than the females. They are used to sense textures of surfaces they walk across and serve as chemical receptors to their own species of scorpions. All scorpions possess a poisonous sting that contains a pair of venom glands. These can paralyze prey or deliver a painful sting to the incautious. Scorpion venoms are complex mixtures of neurotoxins with other substances and each species has a unique mixture. Despite a bad reputation, only one species in the U.S. and about 20 others worldwide have venom potent enough to be considered dangerous to humans. Most other scorpion venom is the equivalent of a strong bee sting; painful, but only dangerous to people with severe allergies. As a rule, the thicker the claws, the less dangerous the scorpion. The viciously venomous ones usually have slim pincers. If extracted, the glands provide .00001oz(.5mg) of venom. A scorpion will produce .000007oz(.2mg) of venom per milking, and they may be milked three times per 24 hour period. Besides their unusually long and dangerous tails, scorpions also differ from other arachnids in having large pedipalps. These are the second pair of appendages on the body, and are usually rather inconspicuous in arachnids. However in scorpions, they are large and powerful pincers that are used to grasp and subdue prey. Prey includes a variety of arthropods and other invertebrates, and the larger species are known to prey on small vertebrates, such as smaller lizards, snakes, and mice. Prey is located primarily by sensing vibrations. The pedipalps have an array of fine sensory hairs called trichobothria that sense air-borne vibrations. The tips of the legs also have small organs that detect vibrations in the ground. The surfaces of the legs, pedipalps, and body are also covered with thicker hairs called setae that are sensitive to direct touch. Even though they are equipped with venom to defend them, scorpions fall prey to

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness many types of creatures, such as centipedes, tarantulas, insecDamage: Coma, 1D10+20, 1D2 Per Sting tivorous lizards, birds, and mammals. Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 75% Scorpion mating rituals are enacted when a male uses his pedipalps to grasp a female's pedipalps in order to lead her on Native to the deserts and sandy terrain in Northern Africa, a 'courtship dance'. The details of courtship vary from species the Golden Fat Tail Scorpion is a terrestrial to species, with some exhibiting a deliberate and species that lives under rocks and other shelprolonged sexual sting by the male. The male ter. They avoid coastal areas or anywhere that sweeps his pectines over the ground surface to is high humidity. Most are not known for help locate a suitable place to deposit his burrowing, but they do hide under rocks. spermatophore, which contains sperm to Some individuals may burrow from time fertilize the female eggs. The male pulls to time. Unfortunately, their hiding the female over the surface where she places are often located near humans. draws the sperm into a genital pore For example, the Yellow Fat Tailed that is located near the front underScorpion often hides in crevices in side of her abdomen. Scorpions have walls made of stone or brick. a long gestation period varying from The Golden Fat Tail Scorpion is one several months to a year. As the embryos of the most dangerous species of scorpidevelop in the female, nutrients are transon in the world. Its sting is fatal within ferred from the digestive gland to the hours, and it can flick venom off its tail in a embryos. The young are born live and use the spray to blind an attacker. Most accidental mother’s legs to ascend to her back. scorpion deaths are attributed to this scorpion. On the average, a female gives birth to about 25 to 40 (5D4+20) young. They remain on her back until they molt for the first time, which is usually within a ANDROCTONUS AUSTRALIS week or two after birth. Once they climb down, they assume an Common Name(s): Black Tip Fattail Scorpion, Yellow independent existence, and periodically molt to reach adultDesert Scorpion, Yellow Fat Tailed Scorpion hood. Typically 5 or 6 molts over 2 to 6 years are required for Dosage: .011oz(320mg) the scorpion to reach maturity. Adult scorpions range in size DC: 23 from .5" to 9" in length. Onset: 1D6 Minutes The average scorpion lives three to five years, but some Duration: 6D4+5 Hours species can live up to 10-15 years. A few scorpions exhibit social Symptoms: Blindness (Venom Spray), Convulsions/Seizures, behaviors beyond the mother-young association, such as formDizziness, Fever, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Minor ing unorganized masses during overwintering, colonial burSwelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness rowing, and even living in extended family groups that share Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 4D30+20, 1D4 Per Sting burrows and food. Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by All scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, also known 50%), Reduce Duration By 45% as blacklight. The fluorescence is caused by an unidentified substance in a very thin layer in the cuticle of This scorpion is nearly identical in appearthe scorpion called the hyaline layer. Freshly moltance and habitat to the Androctonus Amoreuxi. They 1: 4 Pairs Of Legs ed scorpions do not fluoresce much, but as the do, however, have longer tails, and adults are an 2: 2 Pincers (Pedipalps) new cuticle hardens, the fluorescent quality average .5" shorter overall. 3: Fused Head & Thorax increases. Alcohol in which scorpions have (Prosoma/Cephalothorax) 4: Body Segments (Opisthosoma) been preserved may also fluoresce. This ANDROCTONUS BICOLOR 5: Sting (Telson) unusual feature can make scorpions easier to Common Name(s): Blacktail Scorpion, Sinai 6: Combs (Pectiens) collect and observe. When darkness falls, Desert Scorpion 7: Genital Flap (Operculum) portable UV lights can be flashed where scorpiDosage: .039oz(1.12G) 8: Leg Junction (Sternum) ons are assumed to be. Scorpions caught in the 9: Tail (Metasoma) DC: 23 nearly invisible UV light glow an eerie greenish Onset: 3D6 Minutes color, making them easy to spot in the darkness. Duration: 6D4+5 Hours Anyone equipped with UV light may “take 10” to spot scorpions Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Excessive at night. Sweating, Fever, Numbness, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized

ANDROCTONUS AMOREUXI

Common Name(s): Golden Fat Tail, Libye Gold Scorpion Dosage: .026oz(750mg) DC: 22 Onset: 1D6 Minutes Duration: 6D4 Hours Symptoms: Blindness (Venom Spray), Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fever, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Minor

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Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10, 2D6 Per Round, 1D2 Per Sting Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduces Damage by 60%) Found in a variety of habitats and elevations, from pine forests, desert flats, rolling grasslands, to the rocky slopes of mountains to about 7,000 feet or more. They are not known to occur in dunes, but have been found in sandy areas near

CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS deserts. It is primarily a burrowing species, but it can be found under rocks and debris also. This species varies very much in color. Some poulations are yellow-brown with black legs and darker telson. Others have dark brown bodies. Some populations are also light brown, almost orangish in color. Because of these variations, colors are not a safe identifyer. This is a quick and mean tempered species, that will sting readilly. Even though wide-spread in a variety of habitats, they are rare. While not easy to find, when one is found, there will be 1D6 more not far away.

ANDROCTONUS CRASSICAUDA

varies considerably in color, from olive brown to reddish brown to slate gray to black. A small, isolated population in Egypt is abnormally pale, hence the name Egyptian Gold Fat-tailed Scorpion. Accurate identification can only be made by experienced professionals who recognize the characteristic tail segments. Mature specimens can attain 4" in length. As with many other members of the Buthidae family, the pincers of the Black Fat-tailed are relatively small and weak, while the tail and sting are abnormally stout and muscular. Desert scrub is their preferred habitat. They are nocturnal, venturing out from burrows, or beneath rocks, boards, and other debris to hunt insects and small vertebrates at night.

Common Name(s): Asian Fat Tail BUTHACUS LEPTOCHELIS Dosage: .008oz(250mg) DC: 27 Common Name(s): Fat Red Tail Bark Onset: 3D6 Minutes Scorpion Duration: 6D4+5 Hours Dosage: .024oz(690mg) Symptoms: Blurred Vision, DC: 22 Convulsions/Seizures, Difficulty Speaking, Onset: 6D6 Minutes Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Androctonus Crassicauda Duration: 6D4 Hours Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fever, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Minor Swelling (Sting), Severe Pain(Sting), Weakness Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Shock, 2D6 Per Hour Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 4D30+20, 1D4 Per Sting Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 25% Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 50%), Reduce Duration By 45% Adults average about 2.4" in length, with the tail being longer in the males than in the females. Body color of adults This scorpion is brownish-yellow, with dark reddish varies from yellowish to tan, marked with broad, blackish brown, producing an overall spotted appearance. The tail is stripes on the upper surface of the abdomen. There is a dark tridark red, almost totally covered with brown spots and the eyes angular mark on the front portion of the head region in the area are surrounded by black. over the eyes. Younger specimens may be overall lighter in Fat Red Tails are usually found around rocky hillsides, color, and the base of the pedipalps and the last segment of the crumbling rock faces, brick walls, crawl spaces, leaf-covered body is dark brown to black. The key recognition characters for areas, and log piles. this species are the slender pedipalps and the long chubby tail. They have a distinct association with dead vegetation, fallBUTHUS OCCITANUS TUNETANUS en logs, and human dwellings. Wild specimens can be Common Name(s): Mediterranean Yellow quite aggressive, but handling for some time tames Scorpion them quickly. The large pedipalp is capable of drawDosage: .14oz(4.25G) ing blood and some wild ones do not hesitate to DC: 30 use them. They appear very reluctant to use their Onset: 1D4 Minutes tail in most cases. Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, ANDROCTONUS MAURITANICUS Diarrhea, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Common Name(s): Arabian Fat Tailed Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Scorpion, Black Fat-Tailed Scorpion, Egyptian Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Gold Fat Tail Weakness Dosage: .024oz(690mg) Androctonus Mauritanicus Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 2D20+30 DC: 21 Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 65%), Onset: 1D6 Minutes Reduce Duration By 20% Duration: 6D4+5 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fever, This scorpion is nearly identical in appearance and habitat Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Minor Swelling (Sting), Severe to the Buthus Parabuthus. They are an average 1" shorter overLocalized Pain(Sting), Weakness all and are much more active during the day. Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 4D30+20, 1D4 Per Sting Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 50%), Reduce Duration By 45% BUTHUS PARABUTHUS Common Name(s): Burrowing Thick Tail Scorpion Despite its common name, the Black Fat-tailed Scorpion Dosage: .1oz(3G)

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS DC: 25 Onset: 4D4 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 2D20+30 Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 55%), Reduce Duration By 50%

Dosage: .001oz(1.12G) DC: 19 Onset: 5D6 Minutes Duration: 6D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fever, Frothing, Numbness, Minor Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 3D30+20, 1D4 Per Sting Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 100%), Reduce Duration By 75%

Burrowing Thick Tails range in size from 1.5" to 5.5" long, usually longer than 2.7". Color ranges from a yellow through brown to black without any of the characteristic markings found on other buthus scorpions. The legs are usually lighter in color than the body. Most species have a very robust tail with the first 2 tail segments having nodes or ridges across which the sting is scraped, producing a warning hiss. This scorpion has adapted to areas of soft to hard gritty soil. They dig shallow burrows in sand at the base of shrubs, under rock, logs or any suitable cover. The females are normally sedentary, staying at home, while males use any available cover during wanderings or may even excavate a new burrow.

As the only seriously toxic US species, it may be distinguished from other less toxic species by its very slender tail segments and long slender pincers. Reaching only 1.5" at maturity, it is a comparatively small scorpion. The body is a yellowish/golden-brown or straw colored and the color becomes darker with age. The majority of poisonings occur at night during the warm summer months. Its common name reflects its habit of hiding in the bark of trees. Unfortunately, they also like to hide in the drains of sinks or in shoes at night. They like any moist, dark, protected place. A sweaty shirt thrown on the floor can also make an inviting hideout. When confronted or disturbed by large animals or people they will attempt to run away and hide if possible. They will sting in self-defense if cornered, but are not considered to be aggressive. Luckly they are naturally confined to the southwest mostly.

BUTHUS PARABUTHUS TRANSVAALICUS

Common Name(s): Black Spitting Thicktail, Giant Fat Tail, South African Fat Tail Scorpion Dosage: .13oz(3.95G) DC: 30 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Blindness (Venom Spray), Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 2D20+30 Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 95%), Reduce Duration By 80% The Black Spitting Thicktail will grow to a length of 4.5" to 5" in length. They are commonly seen in black or brown, but may also be a chocolate-brown color, and lighter at the legs and pedipalp with red-brown pinchers. They possess powerful cauda with numerous reddish hairs. This scorpion is considered to be the most venomous species of scorpion in Africa. Even though this species has small pinchers, their main means of defense is spraying venom on prey and enemies. In the wild the Black Spitter feeds on lizards and small insects. This species is able to squirt venom up to 5' away, and venom in the eyes can be very dangerous. Victims experience severe pain and temporary blindness, and the venom will permanently blind sight if the venom is not flushed within 5 rounds.

Centruroides Exilicauda

(BEFORE 1990: CENTRUROIDES SCULPTURATUS ) Common Name(s): Arizona Yellow Bark Scorpion, Bark Scorpion

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CENTRUROIDES NOXIUS

Common Name(s): Mexican Crystal Scorpion Dosage: .039oz(1.12G) DC: 17 Onset: 1D4 Minutes Duration: 4D6 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Internal Bleeding, 1D6+6 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Internal Bleeding (Reduces Duration By 50%) The entire body is yellow with variable dusky pattern, usually there are two longitudinal dark bands over the mesosoma and the pedipalps and legs are spotted. The pattern may be absent in some specimens or populations. This species is very distinctive. Its light, smooth and polished chitin makes it look as if it were made of crystal. Most stings occur when the scorpion is suprised, otherwise this is a very timid and flighty specimin. This species is found in areas with many cracks and crevices, rocky areas, forests and quite often in buildings. This is a higly adaptive species, that tolerates different climatic conditions. It is an active forager that does not burrow. It is common for this species to climb trees and walls, and many times it has been found in the attics of homes. During periods of hot weather, the scorpion may move into living areas to escape the high temperatures of the attic.

CENTRUROIDES SUFFUSUS

CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Common Name(s): Thin-Handed Scorpion Dosage: .031oz(900mg) DC: 35 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D30 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fever, Nausea/ Vomiting, Numbness, Minor Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, 1D2 Per Sting Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 45% The entire body is yellow with a variable dusky pattern, similar to Centruroides Noxius. It has been observed that the dusky pattern may be very dark in larger desert populations. This scorpion is mainly terrestrial, found under stones and fallen logs in dry coastal & inland areas, rarely under barks. It lives in dry vegetation ranging from desertic plains to coastal dry forests. Alacraneros, or Mexican Scorpion Hunters, catch thousands of these scorpions each summer. Most are mounted on key rings, ashtrays, napkin holders and wall clocks that clutter the stalls of Durango's city market, a famed scorpion souvenir center. Some of the catch is also sold for scientific research, making live examples of the species easy to aquire.

CENTRUROIDES LIMPIDUS

Common Name(s): Death Reed Scorpion Dosage: .031oz(880mg) DC: 31 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 1D6 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Cramps, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Kidney Damage, Mild Kidney Failure 6D6+5, Liver Damage, Mild Liver Failure 5D20+15 Save: Save Vs Mild Liver Failure(Reduce Damage By 55%), Save Vs Mild Kidney Failure(Reduce Damage By 55%) This a very beatiful scorpion with very showy coloration. Most of the body is yellowish, except for the pincers, the final segments of the tail and part of the abodomen, which all are blackish fading into brown then yellow. The population of this species seems to be located in coastal regions south of the equator. The scorpion is a forest species, usually found among vegetation. Also observed on fallen trees, and hidden inside cracks and crevices in tree trunks.

COMPSOBUTHUS ACUTICARINATUS

Common Name(s): German Scorpion Dosage: .037oz(1.05G) DC: 28 Onset: 2D20 Minutes Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 3D10+20

Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 75%), Reduce Duration By 65% This is a small scorpion. Adults are light brown to reddish in color, but immature specimens have a more creamy color with numerous brown markings on the dorsal area and on the abdomen. Adults have a hard and shiny varnish-like appearance. This species lives under stones and fallen tree trunks, where it makes a small burrow. It has also been found under the bark of fence posts and small trees. This an agressive species, which will quickly raise both its tail and its pedipalps when disturbed.

HOTTENTOTA SAULCYI

Common Name(s): Skinny Stripetail Scorpion Dosage: .047oz(1.35G) DC: 21 Onset: 1D20 Rounds Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fainting, Incoordination, Numbness, Swelling (Sting), Weakness Damage: Paralyzation, Shock Save: Reduce Duration By 75% This urbanized species is found in different, warm habitats such as gardens, under stones, in houses, in old walls. The species in not uncommon inside habitations, especially cracks and holes in walls where the mortar has crumbled away. This is a long, thin and small species with brown and light brown body coloration. The tail, legs and pedipalps are also brownish with dark strped patterns.

HEMISCORPIUS LEPTURUS

Common Name(s): Devil Scorpion, Hell-Fire Scorpion, Mad-Leper Scorpion Dosage: .0019oz(55mg) DC: 38 Onset: 3D6 Hours Duration: 1D8 Days Symptoms: Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fever, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Weakness Damage: Necrosis 1D4+5 Per Hour Save: Reduce Duration By 25% This species has a yellow to yellow-brown color, and a dark stripe on the mesosoma. Males have a significantly longer tail than females. Very little is known about this scorpion, but the species has traditionally been found hot and humid asian habitats. It is a highly agressive predatory species, presumably hunting at night, often attacking with little hesitation when discovered during the day. This scorpion's venom causes serious wounds and inflammations that look and behave like third degree burns or lepracy. These wounds are slow and difficult to heal, leaving noticable scars.

LEIURUS QUINQUESTRIATUS

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Common Name(s): Death Stalker, Israeli Yellow Scorpion Dosage: .007oz (200mg) DC: 25 Onset: 3D4 Minutes Duration: 1D6 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Shock, 2D6 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 99% This scorpion is found in dry desert areas on different substrate types, but not in sand dunes. They hide in small natural burrows or under stones. The Death Stalker is a bright and attractive species, with a relatively thin tail, which is unusual for venomous scorpions. This species is aggressive and nervous, grows up to 4" in length, and is usually straw yellow to orangish yellow.

MESOBUTHUS EUPEUS

OPISTOPTHALMUS GLABRIFONS

Common Name(s): Shiny Burrowing Scorpion, Yellow Legged Creeping Scorpion Dosage: .043oz(1.23G) DC: 25 Onset: 1D8 Hours Duration: 1D8 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Weakness Leiurus Quinquestriatus Damage: Paralyzation, Shock Save: Reduce Duration By 85%

Common Name(s): Bard's Scorpion, Lyre Scorpion Dosage: .032oz (900mg) DC: 30 Onset: 5D4 Minutes Duration: 6D4 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Sting), Severe Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness Damage: Internal Bleeding, 2D8 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Internal Bleeding (Reduces Duration By 95%) Mesobuthus Eupeus is 2" to 3" in length, and has a yellow or yellow-brown color. The granulations on the anterior part of carapace,in front of the eyes, form a lyre shape. This scorpion is often found in dry and hot areas with sparse, scrub-type vegetation, where it hides under stones and the like during daytime. The European variety has a painful sting, but is not considered dangerous for healthy humans. Their African counterparts are much more potent, and many deaths have been attributed to these scub scorpions.

ODONTOBUTHUS DORIAE

floors, shielded from the heat. Large stones are used as hiding places, but some specimens are located in natural holes. This species hide deep in the ground during the warmest part of the summer. This species is often found in colonies, but each scorpion has it's own burrow. This species averages 2.5" to 3" long, and the 19 different subspeciesall vary in color. Most have a yellow to redbrown color with the tip of the claws usually dark redbrown, but some subspecies are dark brown or blackish in color. The different subspecies can be seperated by the color variations, but not always.

This species is a medium-sized scorpion with large pedipalps. Varying color, but usually yellow-brown to rust-brown. The pedipalps, legs, metasoma and telson are lighter in color than trunk and the posterior part of the carapace. Males in this species have longer and thicker tails and a more elongated pedipalp. This species makes a loud hissing sound when disturbed. The sound is made when the scorpion rubs its chelicerae together. All scorpions in the genus Opistophthalmus stridulate. This scorpion is found in dry areas with occasional frost. Its distrubution appears to be determined by soil hardness rather than soil type. Sandy soil seem to be avoided because this soild type makes it difficult to burrow. The burrows of this scorpion are often constructed with a shallow scrape under a rock that leads to the burrow. The burroes often spural counter-clockwise as they decend. Burrows in softer soil is usually shorter than burrows in harder soil.

TITYUS BAHIENSIS

Common Name(s): Pine Scorpion Common Name(s): Assasin Scorpion Dosage: .035oz(1G) Dosage: .0003oz(9mg) Tityus Bahiensis DC: 38 DC: 40 Onset: 3D6 Rounds Onset: Instant Duration: 2D6 Hours Duration: 10D8 Rounds Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Fainting, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Swelling (Sting), Severe Damage: Asphyxiation 2D20+10, Mild Cardiac Failure Localized Pain(Sting), Weakness 3D30+20, Internal Bleeding 1D4 Per Round Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 3D30+20, 1D4+6 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduces Damage By 40%), Save Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 75%), Reduce 50%), Reduce Duration By 60% Duration By 35% This species is usually found in humid habitats like forest This species is found in warm habitats, and is quite com-

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS mon in ruins, in buildings, under house-hold furnishings, in crvices of walls etc. It can also be found in grass hills, under stones and in mountain forests. This species is a small black scorpion that measures no larger than .5" to 1.2". The urban Bahiensis will tolerate a great deal of nearby activity after establishing a home, but will generaly avoid heavily tread areas when looking for teritory. Country cousins are very territorial and prefer dark, quiet hunting grounds with plenty of water and food.

TITYUS SERRULATUS

Common Name(s): Yellow Scorpion Dosage: .0003oz(500mg) DC: 14 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D12 Rounds Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fainting, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: Paralyzation Save: Reduces Duration By 50% This species is found in mountainous areas with high humidity, usually found under stones and under bark. This species is rarly associated with human activities. This species is the largest of the tityus, with an adult length up to 1.9". The color of the body is dark brown and with yellowbrown legs and sting. It is a typical venomous scorpion with large, strong pedipalps, short, stout legs and a long, thin tail.

TITYUS TRINITATIS

Common Name(s): Red Devil Scorpion Dosage: .017oz(250mg) DC: 10 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 10D8 Rounds Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fainting, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: Kidney Damage Save: Save Vs Kidney Damage Tityus trinitatis possesses a brown to redbrown coloring. The Metasoma has a flat black coloring toward the end. The long-drawn-out Telson is likewise flat black colored, and is covered with many large clear hairs. The tail is remarkably long, counting as 66% of scorpions total maximum length of 4" Normally found living outdoors under the loose bark of trees and logs, under logs and stones on the ground. Around homes, they prefer wood piles, crumbling stone, brick foundations, or inside the crawlspace of a house, particularly if old building materials like lumber are stored there.

SPIDERS

Spiders have been linked to mankind for thousands of years. They are special beasts, having the ability to evoke fear, fascination, wonder, and even admiration, simultaneously. They are a living paradox, providing immeasurable benefits,

yet often producing nearly unbearable pain and anguish. Spiders have also been empowered by many cultures with mythical traits because of their abilities, their cunning, and their skill. They have been viewed as not only menacing, but as magical, mystical, and even miraculous. Nearly every culture has at least one story that tells of such wondrous qualities.

SPIDER MYTH AND LORE

Greek mythology tells of Arachne, a country girl so confident in her weaving ability that she boasted that she was the most magnificent weaver of all, including the goddess Athena herself. Challenged by Athena to a contest, Arachne won, and so angered Athena that she fled into the forest and hanged herself. Athena made amends by transforming Arachne's body into a spider and the rope into silk so that this poor peasant girl might weave for eternity the most beautiful of webs with the finest of silk. Spiders belong to the class Arachnida, so named in honor of this girl. The myths of many ancient peoples credit the spider as being the creator of the world. Living in the underworld or in the sky, it evoked a widespread image of a huge mother spider with giant abdomen producing eggs for eternity. Many Native American cultures see the spider as the creator because of its weaving skills. The legends of the Pueblo and Navajo people tell of the Spider Woman, creator of all. "In the beginning, there was dark purple light at the dawn of being. Spider Woman spun lines to form the east, west, north, and south. Breath entered man at the time of yellow light. At the time of red light, man proudly faced his creator." Spider Woman is said to have used the clay of the earth, red, yellow, black and white to create people. To each she attached a thread of silk. This thread was the gift of wisdom. Navajo legend also tells of a girl who found a hole in the ground from which smoke blew. At the bottom of the hole sat Spider Woman spinning a web. She invited the girl inside and taught her to weave blankets and baskets, but warned her that bad luck would befall her unless she left a hole in the center of each weaving. To this day, the blankets and baskets of the Navajo have a small hole to honor the Spider Woman. A Cherokee legend tells of how fire came to the people. Many, many years ago, the earth was cold and dark. The Indians had no fire with which to stay warm or to cook with. There was a race of giants called The Fire People who had fire, but refused to share their treasure with the lowly other-races. All of the animals got together and decided to steal fire from The Fire People. First went the bear because he was the strongest, but he was caught and sent home. A tiny voice said, "Let me try." It was the spider. All the animals laughed and said, "You are too small." But each animal tried and failed but still the little spider said, "Let me try." Finally, since she was the only one left, they agreed to let the spider try. She fashioned a small clay pot with a lid and put it on her back and went to the village of The Fire People. She would run a bit then stop. Then she would run a bit more and stop. When she finally reached an ember, she placed

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Mohammed when he fled Mecca to escape from the Coreishites it in the clay pot and scurried off. and of Jesus being hidden in a cave to escape Herrod's men When the Fire People realized that the ember had been who searched for him. The lowly, fearsome spider is credited stolen, they began to look for it. But the little spider would run with protecting the lives of the central figures of three major a little ways and stop, run a little ways and stop until she came world religions. to the river's edge. Just as The Fire People were about to catch Spiders, within a single culture, can be viewed as both good her, she slipped into the water. The Fire People could not enter and as evil. In Britain, there is a common belief that a spider in the river, but they thought that the water had put out the ember the house is good luck. Variations on this theme occur regardand thus went away. What they didn't know, however, was that ing when during the day or night the spider is the ember had baked the clay pot to be waterproof. seen. Conversely, to kill a spider in the house So the little spider came out of the water and will bring bad luck. A variation on this is the took the fire to everyone. This is the Sacred Fire Money Spider. If a member of this species of the Cherokees. crosses one's palm, money will soon follow. The Chibcha Indians believe that With this and other species, many homehuman souls must cross the river of death owners will destroy the webs but will on rafts made of spider webs and sticks. carefully lift the spider and put it out To kill a spider is to deny a soul his rest. of doors. Such beliefs are common in cultures The German and Ukraine as diverse as West African tribes and legends of the Christmas Spider tell the Teton Indians of North America. the story of how the hanging of tinsel The Bhils and Mats of India also woron the tree originated. ship them as the recipients of spirits. A mother busily cleaned her entire In Borneo, many tribes worship the house, banishing the spiders to the attic. spider as a primordial god. In West African When she was done, and had gone to sleep, mythology, the spider's silk represents a cord the tiny spiders crept out of their hiding place between God and humans. For others, it is a and crawled over the entire tree to look at the medium for ascending into the heavens. The beautiful ornaments. In their wake, they left Polynesians believed spider silk formed a rope that countless lines of silk. When the Christ child arrived to bless can reach to the heavens. The Pima Indians of Mexico believe the house, he saw the tree and saw what the naughty spiders that the world was created by a spider and hangs in a giant web. had done to the tree, so he touched the silk and turned it into West African legends tell of Anansi the Spider. He is sparkling, shimmering, silver and gold. Ever since that time, Kwaku Anansi, the heroic trickster "Man-Spider", and is the tinsel has been hung on Christmas trees and it is a custom to central figure in many West African stories. He is noble, wise include a golden or silvery spider. and clever. In one such myth, Anansi asks the sky-god for his Although spiders have been associated with money, prostories so that he might share them with everyone. But the skytection, beauty, and even the creation of the earth and the god asked a great price. He wanted brought to him a python, a transport of the soul to the hereafter, they are still viewed by leopard, a nest of hornets, and a fairy. With the help of his wife, many as cunning, and sneaky, and evil. They often repAnansi overcomes each with skill, cunning, and trickresent the unknown evil that lurks in the shadows, ery, and delivers them to the sky-god. True to his waiting patiently to entice, entwine, and envenom. word, the sky-god delivered his stories to Anansi to 1 4 PAIRS OF LEGS In Anglo-Saxon, the word for spider is Attercop, share, becoming known as "Spider Stories". 2 PALPS (PEDIPALPS) which means, "poisoned head." King Robert the Bruce of Scotland, after his 3 EYES (OCELLI) SPECIES HAVE defeat by King Edward of England in 1306, took 12, 6, 4, 2 OR 0 EYES refuge in a cave during a terrible storm. As he UNDERSTANDING SPIDERS 4 FUSED HEAD & THORAX rested, he watched a small spider trying to spin Though insects represent the most diverse (PROSOMA/CEPHALOTHORAX) a web across the mouth of his cave. Six times she and numerically dominant group of terrestrial 5 ABDOMEN (OPISTHOSOMA) tried, and six times she was blown down by the 6 JAWS (CHELICERAE) arthropods known, with well over a million curwind. On her seventh attempt, she succeeded. Like 7 SPINNERETS rently described species, spiders are a distant secthe spider, Robert the Bruce had tried six times ond with about 35,000 described species. Evidence before to defeat Edward's army and had failed, but indicates that the earliest true spiders evolved watching the tiny spider surmount great odds inspired Robert between 380 and 400 million years ago in the land mass that the Bruce to make one last attempt. He emerged from hiding, subsequently split to form what are now North America and rallied his troops, and defeated King Edward's army at Europe. Bannockburn. Almost all spiders have only five segments in the abdomen, Judaic tales tell of David's doubts in God's wisdom for havand these are generally fused with no external trace of segmening created such a useless creature that does nothing but spin a tation, while primitive spiders had as many as twelve segments web and eat lowly insects. Yet when he was pursued by Saul in their abdomen. The last two abdominal segments are speand took refuge in a cave, God sent a spider to weave its web cially modified into spinnerets which secrete the silk threads across the mouth of the cave. Saul and his men did not enter for which spiders have become well known. There are one to the cave because they felt that no one could have entered withfour pairs of spinnerets present, even on those spiders which out disturbing such a large web. Similar tales are told of do not spin webs. The silk has many other functions, such as in

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS ity is more favorable to activity outside the burrow than dry conditions. Most activity is nocturnal. Gardeners and people digging in soil may encounter Funnel-webs in burrows at any time of the year. Female Funnel-web Spiders spend most of their lives in their burrows, but do occasionally hunt on the surface at night. Adult males constantly leave their burrows and wander in search of females, particularly during the summer and fall. The males spend their entire short adulthood seeking as many receptive females to mate with as possible. Male Funnel-webs approach the hidden female burrows. During mating, the male must restrain the female from striking him with her fangs using the spurs on his second legs, while he transfers sperm via his Palps into her genital opening. The female then spins a pillow-shaped silk egg sack, into which she lays over 100 eggs. She cleans and turns the egg sack several times during incubation and will defend it vigorously if disturbed. The spiderlings hatch about three weeks later, and stay with the mother for a few months. After two molts, they leave her burrow, eventually making their own burrows. Juvenile males will stay in their burrows until their final adult molt, after which they will become wanderers. Funnel webs mature in about two to four years, with the females living to ten or more years, and the males dying about six to nine months after maturity. Both sexes are very aggressive and when approached, will rear up into a ready-to-strike position. However, most people bitten by them are not injected with sufficient venom to cause any illness. Often it falls off the tips of the spider's fangs as it makes a preliminary downward thrust. On a natural attack roll of 1 to 15, the bite is without venom. On a natural attack roll of 16 to 20, the full effect of the venom will be felt. Funnel-web spiders are found in eastern Australia, including Tasmania, in coastal and highland Atrax Robustus ATRAX VENOM forest regions, as far west as the Gulf Ranges area of South Dose: Male Venom .00004oz(1.1mg) / Female Venom Australia. .0002oz(5.6mg) DC: 35 (40*) Onset: 2D6 Rounds Atrax Formidabilis Duration: 1D4 Days Atrax Hadronyche Cerberea Common Names: Northern Symptoms: Diarrhea, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness (Mouth), Funnel-Web Spider, Tree-Dwelling Common Names: Southern Tree Drooling, Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Sweating, Weakness Dwelling Funnel-Web Funnel-Web Spider Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20 + 1D6 Per Round, Coma, Atrax Hadronyche Infensa Atrax Hadronyche Formidabilis Cardiac Failure 2D20+30, Shock Common Names: Toowoomba Common Names: Northern Tree Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduces Damage by 100%), Save Funnel-Web Dwelling Funnel-Web Vs Coma, Save Vs Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 95%) *Atrax Formidabilis Venom Atrax Robustus Atrax Hadronyche Versuta sperm transfer, encasing the eggs, and building nests or burrows. Those spiders which do use their silk for webs often produce complex and intricate patterns, but complex or not, the web's function is the capture of prey. Other spiders which do not spin webs will stalk or ambush their prey. Wolf spiders, tarantulas, and jumping spiders are of this sort. Some species are brightly colored, and hide within flowers where they are camouflaged, waiting to pounce on visiting insects. A very few of these are large enough to capture small birds. These spiders rely on their amazing speed and paralyzing poison to subdue their captures. When a spider moves, the first and third leg on one side of its body move with the second and forth leg on the other side. Muscles in the legs bend the joints, but spiders have no muscles to extend their legs. The pressure of the blood in their bodies makes the legs extend. If a spider's body does not contain enough fluids, blood pressure drops and the legs draw up under the body, making movement impossible. The front pair of appendages, the chelicerae, are the ones which contain the poison glands. The second pair, the pedipalps, are small, and are used by the male during mating. The head bears four pairs of eyes, the arrangement of which can be very useful for the identification of the several different kinds of spider. Most spiders breathe through tracheae. Some, like the wolf spiders, have both book lungs and tracheae. Spiders are generally carnivorous and feed only on living prey. They can crush it with processes on the pedipalps, and the chelicerae almost always have glands that can inject a venom. The bite of some large spiders can be painful, but most species are too small to break human skin, and only a few are dangerous to humans.

Funnel-webs burrow in moist, cool, sheltered habitats. Under rocks, in and under rotting logs, crevices, and holes in roughbarked trees are all common places. In gardens, they prefer rocks and dense shrubberies, and are rarely found in more open situations like lawns. The most characteristic sign of a Funnel-web's burrow is the irregular silk trip-lines that radiate out from the entrance. These trip-lines alert the spider to possible prey, mates or danger. Rain may flood burrows or temporary hiding places of male Funnel-webs, causing an increase in their activity. Funnel-webs are very vulnerable to drying out, so high humid-

Common Names: Blue Mountains Common Names: Sydney FunnelWeb Funnel-Web

CHEIRACANTHIUM VENOM

Dose: .005oz(170mg) DC: 21 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D4 Days Symptoms: Chills, Dizziness, Fever, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Swelling (Bite) Damage: Necrotic Ulcer 1D10, Shock

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS development of venom stops as the male matures, thus making him less of a potential problem than his female counterpart. The male widow spider’s abdomen is more elongate than Members of this family build a sack-like, silken tube in that of the female, with white and red markings on its sides. foliage or under bark or stones as a lair. In nature, this species The female’s abdomen is almost spherical, usually with a red are usually found in foliage, but some species are found inside hourglass mark below or with 2 transverse red marks. The houses and around other human developments. Once indoors, female is the most easily recognized, her shiny body giving they may build their silk retreats in the upper corners and the great contrast to the red hourglass marking on her ceiling-wall junctions of rooms and rest there during round abdomen. The male is tiny, being 1/10th the the day, in basements and crawl spaces, retreats are size of the female. The legs of the male are also found where joists and band boards meet the submuch longer in proportion to his body than that of flooring. At night, sack spiders are often seen runthe female. Males do possess venom and could ning on the ceilings and walls, but if disturbed conceivably bite, but it is unheard of and so they readily drop to the floor and seek cover. they are not considered a threat to humans. These spiders are relatively small, being The female widow spider rarely leaves her only about .40" long, and are yellow to pale web, leaving only if forced by adverse temperagreen in color. They are difficult to distinguish tures or destruction of the web. As they never hunt from one another, and species identification or move about, widow spiders are practically blind. requires examination by an skilled arachnologist. The web it constructs is an irregular, tangled, crissFemale sack spiders lay about 250 eggs in a tiny silken sack which is brown, oval to flask-shaped, with Cheiracanthium Inclusum cross web of rather coarse silk. The core of the web is almost funnel shaped, woven into a tunnel in which the female a tough, papery cover. There may be more than one sack in the spider spends the majority of daylight hours. They are found in web at a time, and a female may produce up to 17 sacks in her any protected place indoors, closets, attics, basements or outlifetime. The sacks are usually located in the center of the web side, under woodpiles, animal burrows, barns and beneath but may be moved to warmer or cooler sites as required. The ground cover. This web is altered and rebuilt in a regular basis eggs hatch in about 7 to 10 days. and is capable of capturing rather large insects. The female wraps any captured prey with her silk, repeatedly turning her Cheiracanthium Mildei Cheiracanthium Brevicalcaratum Common Names: Cave Dwelling Common Names: Golden Sack victim with her legs as she applies more silk. After her victim is Sack Spider Spider, Yellow Sack Spider covered in silk, the spider kills her prey by injecting her venom. The prey might be eaten immediately or reserved for a later Cheiracanthium Mordax Cheiracanthium Inclusum feeding. After the prey is fed upon and the body fluids are Common Names: Stout Bodied Common Names: Long-Legged sucked from the victim, the carcass is cut loose and allowed to Sack Spider Sack Spider drop to the ground. The female widow is most often found Cheiracanthium Punctorium Cheiracanthium Japonicum hanging upside down in her web, where she spends most of her Common Names: Japanese Sack Common Names: Thorn Finger daytime hours. She stays close to her egg mass, defensively bitSack Spider Spider ing anything that disturbs her or her egg sack. After laying her eggs, the female widow is hungry and more likely to LATRODECTUS VENOM bite a human. Occasionally, bites occur from hungry Dose: .005oz(140mg) widow spiders when a hand or foot is dangled in DC: 12 front of the nest. Before indoor plumbing, bites Onset: 1D4 Hours were fairly frequent in outhouses, particularly on Duration: 1D6 Days male genitals. Symptoms: Body Aches (Legs), Cramps, Egg sacks are pear shaped or oval, brown, Headache, Labored Breathing, papery and about .5" long. They hold from 20 to Nausea/Vomiting, Minor Swelling (Bite), 1000 or more eggs, which have an incubation Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Sweating period of 20 days. The spiderlings disperse shortly Damage: Paralyzation, Mild Asphyxiation 6D8 after emerging, tearing an opening in the egg sack Save: Save Vs Paralyzation, Save Vs Mild and stay near the sack. After several hours, these spiAsphyxiation (Reduce Damage By 100%), Reduce Latrodectus Hesperus derlings release long silken strands which they use like a Duration By 50% parachute to ride the wind to other areas and scatter. Adult growth requires two to three months, and older females die in Of all spiders, the Widow is the most notorious. The fall after egg laying. female’s venom is especially poisonous to people. Despite its Latrodectus Bishopi reputation, this spider often attempts to escape rather than Latrodectus Lugubris Common Names: Red Widow bite, unless it is guarding an egg sack or if it is cornered. Common Names: Asian Black During the period shortly following mating and laying of eggs, Widow Latrodectus Hesperus the female widow can be a little cranky and hungry. The female Common Names: Western Black sometimes eats the male. The female widow stores sperm, proLatrodectus Mactans Hasselti Widow ducing more egg sacks without mating so she only has to mate Common Names: Katipo, Redback Spider Latrodectus Geometricus once in her life. After this period, if still alive, the male lives Common Names: Brown Widow quite comfortably, eating prey captured by the female. His Save: Reduce Duration By 25%, Save Vs Shock

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Sailor's Widow Latrodectus Mactans Tredecimguttatus Common Names: European Black Latrodectus Variolus Common Names: Northern Black Widow, Malmignatte Widow Lactrodectus Pallidus Common Names: Desert Widow,

LOXOSCELES VENOM

Loxosceles Arizonica Common Names: Arizona Brown Spider Loxosceles Blanda Common Names: Big Bend Recluse Loxosceles Deserta Common Names: California Brown Spider, Desert Recluse

Brown Spider Loxosceles Laeta Common Names: South American Brown Spider Loxosceles Martha Common Names: Martha's Recluse Loxosceles Palma Common Names: Baja Recluse Loxosceles Parrami

Common Names: African Recluse Loxosceles Devia Dose: .0005oz(17mg) Common Names: Texas DC: 30 Loxosceles Reclusa Recluse Onset: 1D4+4 Hours Common Names: Brown Recluse, Duration: 3D4-1 Days Loxosceles Gaucho Fiddleback, Violin Spider Symptoms: Body Aches (Joints), Chills, Common Names: Mexican Cowboy Loxosceles Rufescens Fever, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Common Names: Mediterranean Recluse Localized Pain(Bite), Sweating Recluse Damage: Necrotic Ulcer 2D6+3, Shock Loxosceles Kaiba Save: Reduce Duration By 50%, Save Vs Shock Loxosceles Russelli Common Names: Recluse spiders are found primarily in the Common Names: Russell's Grand Canyon Midwest of the United States. These spiders norRecluse Recluse mally spin small, irregular webs under bark, stones Loxosceles Sabina or other secluded areas, but have adapted quite well to Loxosceles Reclusa Loxosceles Intermedia Common Names: Mexico Common Names: Tucson Recluse indoor habitats. Earning the name, the recluse spider ceases all activity at first light. They are commonly found in the storage areas of residences, including areas such as attics, closets, bedPHONEUTRIA VENOM rooms and other dark recesses. Not only will this spider hide in Dose: .0000021oz(.0059mg) cracks and crevices of the home, they will often climb into DC: 40 clothing or shoes that someone has laid out to wear the followOnset: 1D4 Rounds ing day. This spider frequently inhabits clothing, toys, books, Duration: 1D6 Days boxes, furniture as well as transports, tool sheds, tree houses Symptoms: Blister (Bite), Headache, Labored Breathing, and little used or abandoned dog houses. People are most comNausea/Vomiting, Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Weakness monly bitten in bed, while changing clothes, or cleaning storDamage: Asphyxiation 3D20 + 1D6 Per Round, Coma, age areas. Bites often occur when the spiders hide in towels or Cardiac Failure 2D20+30, Shock old clothes left in such areas. Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduces Damage by 100%), Save Recluses are nocturnal and prefer foods such as Vs Coma, Save Vs Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage silverfish, crickets, cockroaches and other soft bodied by 15%), Save Vs Shock(DC 10) insects. Distinguishing characteristics are three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle on the This is a large hunting spider that produces the forepart of the head and a "fiddle" is behind the most toxic spider venom in the world, and is not eyes with the neck of the violin pointing afraid to use it. Though often confused as towards the abdomen. tarantulas, due to size and appearance, they are The female deposits eggs in white silken in actuality true spiders. cases about .33" in diameter in sheltered, dark The Wandering Spider does not spin a web. areas. Spiderlings emerge in 24 to 36 days and Instead it wanders the forest floor, hunting mice, abandon the egg case. Development is slow, and snakes, lizards and other spiders in the forest litter. seems to be influenced by weather conditions and They can also be commonly encountered hunting prey food availability. They reach maturity in 10 to 12 Phoneutria Nigriventer in Brazilian homes, hiding in shoes, hats, and other months and can survive long periods of time without clothes. When disturbed, they will raise their front legs to food or water. Immature spiderlings resemble adult recluse expose threatening jaws. This spider also has the largest venom spiders but have lighter coloration. glands of any other, up to .4" long. Their venom is especially poisonous to people and animals, The Brazilian Wandering Spider has another well known those bitten often become ill and find that the wound does not common name, Banana Spider. The spider was given the name heal quickly. Both male and female recluse spiders, as well as Banana Spider because there have been many cases where their spiderlings, are capable of injecting venom. these spiders unintentionally hitched a ride on the banana boats heading for the United States and other countries. Loxosceles Amazonica Loxosceles Apachea Though they can only survive a short time in cool weather, Common Names: Amazonian Common Names: Apache Brown They thrive in the temperatures of the Southern United States Recluse Spider and Mexico.

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CHAPTER 2 - ARACHNID VENOMS Today bananas go through a very rigorous cleaning cycle. First the bunches are washed in large tanks, submerged in water for ten minutes or more, sprayed with fungicide, then hand inspected and crated. If any wandering spiders or tarantulas make it through the inspections, they are usually found by fruit wholesalers before they arrive at the supermarket. Usually.

TEGENARIA AGRESTIS

(RENAISSANCE EUROPE: ARANEA AGRESTIS) Common Names: Aggressive House Spider, Hobo Spider, Field Spider, Wheat Spider Dose: Male .0006oz(17mg) / Female .0002oz(7.6mg) DC: 30 Onset: 12D4 Hours Duration: 2D4 Days Phoneutria Fera Phoneutria Nigriventer Symptoms: Body Aches (Joints), Dizziness, Headache, Common Names: Brazilian Common Names: Banana Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating, Weakness Huntsman, Brazilian Wandering Spider, Colombian Wandering Damage: Bone Marrow Failure 4D10 Per Hour Spider Spider (Continuing), Necrotic Ulcer 2D6+3 Save: Reduce Duration By 50%, Save Vs Bone A farmer once reportSELENOCOSMIA VENOM Marrow Failure (DC 11) ed that one of his caged turkey Dose: .2oz(5.67G) chicks was missing. While attemptDC: 16 The Hobo Spider is indigenous to ing to repair the breach in the cage, he Onset: 1D2 Hours western Europe that was introduced into saw a long groove in the dirt leading Duration: 3D4 Hours the northwestern United States someaway from the cage. After following the Symptoms: Headache, groove a few feet, he found the chick, and it time before the 1930's. The means of Nausea/Vomiting, Severe appeared to be stuck to the ground. After a closer introduction into the United States Localized Pain(Bite), Weakness examination, he found a large Whistling Spider was almost certainly commercial shipDamage: Shock stripping the skin off the bird as it tried to ping vessels carrying cargo originating Save: Save Vs Shock pull the chick down its burrow! One was from agricultural areas of Europe. They even seen dragging a 2.5 pound were most likely transported as egg cases dead fish carcass up from the river This hand-sized spider has the ability attached to wooden crates or barrels. bank and across the forest to to make an audible whistle or hiss when In Europe the hobo spider is a resident of its burrow. aggravated. The hiss can easily be heard up to fields, rarely entering human habitations due to 6' away. That hiss, or whistle, is what gives it the the presence competing spider. Human contacts common name of "Whistling Spider". They are with the hobo spider are uncommon in Europe. In also sometimes named "Barking Spiders", but whistling is a the United States however, the hobo spider rapidly adapted to more accurate description of the sound. living in urban areas, and without the widespread presence of a Instead of spinning a web, this large spider digs a burrow. dominant competitor, began to extend its range. At the end of the 3' long burrow the soil is moist and cool, often The hobo spider is an species with a capability of extending littered with webbing, bones and insect parts. The entrance is into new territories and adapting to many habitats. While it covered by a silken cap, made with snail shells and other hard probably cannot adapt to extremely dry habitats, it adapts well pieces, to keep the burrow humid and fire-proof. A low silkto situations with adequate moisture and relatively cool clicovered mound around the entrance traps dew and mates. This is a non-aggressive spider, but will attack raindrops for drinking and helps prevent flooding of if cornered or pressed. Hobo spider poisoning does the burrow. If the burrow does flood, air is trapped not invariably develop following a bite by a hobo by the spider’s hairy body, sustaining the spider spider. A large percentage of defensive bites by until the water soaks away. the hobo are dry, and no venom is injected when The whistling spider ambushes large the spider bites. On a natural attack roll of 1 to insects, small mammals, reptiles, frogs, and 15, the bite is without venom. On a natural even small birds near its burrow entrance at attack roll of 16 to 20, the full effect of the night and drags them inside to feed. venom will be felt. Mature males move around at night during or Physically, the adult hobo spider is a moderafter rains or in highly humid weather to avoid ately large, .5" to .7" long brown spider, with long, dehydration when searching for the burrow of a unmarked legs. A typical specimen would fit on a silver Tegenaria Agrestis female. After mating, the female suspends a large egg dollar or a poker chip. The male has two pedipalps sack near the moist bottom of the burrow. As many as 12 between the two front legs, which are swollen at the ends, that months may pass after mating before the eggs are laid and the look somewhat like a pair of boxing gloves 4D12 young spiders emerge. The young disperse during or after The eggs of the Hobo Spider are deposited in 1 to 4 egg rains to begin digging their own burrow in the damp soil. cases in late fall. These egg cases are composed of several layers of silk, intermingled with layers of dirt and debris. The egg Selenocosmia Strenua Selenocosmia Crassipes cases are usually attached under rocks, wood, or other undisCommon Names: Whistling Bird Common Names: Gray Barking Spider Spider, Gray Whistling Spider turbed items found in yards, gardens and vacant lots. Each egg case may contain 100 or more eggs. Selenocosmia Subvulpina Selenocosmia Stirlingi Despite their increase, public awareness of these spiders Common Names: Hairy Whistler, Common Names: Australian has been low, because the Brown Recluse Spider has been Common Whistling Spider, Barking Whistling Tarantula blamed for the bites that people receive from Hobo Spiders. Mouser

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CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS AMMONIA

Common Name(s): Alkaline Air, Spirit Of Hartshorn, Volatile Alkali Dosage: 2oz(56.5g) DC: 17 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Cough, Dizziness, Fainting, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Pain (Abdomen, Chest, Mouth, Throat), Wheezing Damage: Burns (Skin) 2D6+10, Burns (Eyes, Blindness), Unconsciousness(Inhaled) Save: Reduce Duration By 75% Ammonia is a colorless gas that is about one half as dense as air at ordinary temperatures and pressures. It has a characteristic pungent, penetrating odor. Ammonia is found in minute proportion of the atmospheric and volcanic gases and is also a product of decomposition of animal and vegetable matter. Ammonia is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and any number of chemicals and cleaning products. Ammonia is also widely used as refrigerant in many industrial facilities. Eyes contaminated with Ammonia liquid or vapor will become permanently blinded unless washed with 5 Gallons (20 Liters) of clean water for 15 Rounds within 5 Minutes of being exposed. Combining the common cleaning agents chlorine bleach and ammonia can liberate chlorine gas.

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE

Common Name(s): Arsenic Dosage: .0035oz(5mg) DC: 35 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 5D4 Hours Symptoms: Diarrhea, Fainting, Hair Loss, Headache, Incoordination, Itchiness, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain (Abdominal), Weakness Damage: Brain Damage, Dehydration, Mild Cardiac Failure 3D20+10, Stroke, Unconsciousness, Vessel Damage Save: Save Vs Brain Damage, Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure (Reduce Damage By 40%), Save Vs Stroke Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth's crust. Natural Arsenic is combined with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic Arsenic compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic Arsenic compounds. Arsenic has been used since 3000 BC, and has long been known to be acutely toxic. Inorganic Arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood and in early mining techniques, while organic Arsenic compounds are used as pesticides. It was once taken as an ingredient in a medicine called Fowler's Solution during the late 18th/early 19th century. Arsenic poisoning is difficult to diagnose without sophisticated equipment as most of the Arsenic leaves the body within three days of exposure.

BARIUM CARBONATE

Common Name(s): Barium Carbonate, Barium Salt, Carbonic Acid, Rat Poison, Witherite

Dosage: .03oz(800mg) DC: 22 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 1D2 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Pain (Abdominal), Severe Diarrhea Damage: Cardiac Failure 6D10+5 3D4 Per Hour, Paralyzation Save: Reduce Damage By 50% Barium Carbonate is soft, white, odorless and tasteless, usually found in nature as Witherite Ore. Barium carbonate is used in glass making, as a pottery glaze, roofing tiles, and as rat poison. Barium Carbonate is chemicaly similar to harmless Barium Sulfate. There are many instances where Barium Carbonate has contaminated products made with Barium Sulfate, such as table-salt, reused flour sacks, paper and photographic paper.

BENZENE

Common Name(s): Benzene Dosage: .0004oz(12mg) DC: 20 Onset: 1D2 Days Duration: 1D6 Days Symptoms: Confusion, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache, Weakness Damage: Mild Cardiac Failure 3D20+10, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Mild Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 70%) Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in water. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural processes and manufacture. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires.

CARBON OXYCHLORIDE

Common Name(s): Carbonic Dichloride, Carbonyl Dichloride, Chloroformyl Chloride, CG, D-Stoff, Green Cross, Phosgene Dosage: .002oz(64mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D8 Rounds Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Cough, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness, Wheezing Damage: Mild Asphyxiation 2D10 +2D4 Per Minute Save: Reduce Duration By 75% Phosgene is a colorless gas with the odor of cut grass or green corn. Phosgene was first synthesized in 1812 by Sir Humphrey Davy. During World War I, it was used in combination with chlorine gas by the German army. The German army switched to Mustard Gas in 1917 because of the development of effective gas masks against Phosgene. More effective poisons and improved personal protective equipment make Phosgene an unlikely agent to be used in future battles.

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CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS Phosgene is sometimes a byproduct of manufacturing aniline dyes, polycarbonate resins, coal tar, pesticides, isocyanates, polyurethane, and pharmaceuticals. Phosgene also occurs in uranium enrichment processes and bleaching sand for glass production.

CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

Common Name(s): Benzinoform, Freon 10, Halon 104, Tetraform, Tetrasol Dosage: .0002oz(7mg) DC: 25 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 1D3 Days Symptoms: Confusion, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache, Intoxication, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: Brain Damage, Coma, Kidney Damage, Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Brain Damage, Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Liver Damage Freon a clear liquid with a sweet smell that is manufactured and does not occur naturally. Freon is most often found as a colorless gas. It's not flammable and doesn't dissolve in water very easily. It was once used in the production of refrigeration fluid and propellants for aerosol cans, as a pesticide, as a cleaning fluid and degreasing agent, in fire extinguishers, and in spot removers. These uses have been banned since the early 1990's and it is now only used in some industrial applications.

DICHLORODIPHENYLTRICHLOROETHANE

Common Name(s): DDT Dosage: .002oz(64mg) DC: 25 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: Permanent Symptoms: (Effects Only Creature Type: VERMIN) Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Weakness Damage: (Effects Only Creature Type: VERMIN) Extreme Nerve Damage, Paralyzation, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Paralyzation, Save Vs Unconsciousness DDT was first synthesized in 1874, for no purpose other than to exist, by the German Chemist Othmar Zeidler. In 1939, Dr. Paul Müller independently reproduced DDT in his lab, and after various experiments to determine it's possible uses, found that DDT quickly killed flies, aphids, mosquitoes, walking sticks and potato beetles. It was quickly patented in Switzerland in 1940, England in 1942 and the U.S. in 1943. In 1942 it was proven to kill body lice without any adverse effect on humans, and so it was used by every Allied trooper during World War II. DDT has been banned world-wide since 1972, but is still available in some third-world countries. A Word About DDT: I was fully prepared to include DDT as a horrible and deadly modern chemical poison for readers to terrorize PCs and NPCs alike. While doing research for this book however, it became clear that DDT is not the world destroying poison that I had assumed it was. It is however (GMs take note) an excellent example of the rampant hidden-in-plain-sight-conspiracies that are ever-so common throughout mankind's history, complete with convenient theologies, manipulated semi-science, political manoeuvering and a

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modern myth/public hysteria disguised as conventional wisdom that persists even to this day. I simply could not ignore the irony, so in the interest of better gaming, (AKA; arguing all night with your friends) and instead of a deadly poison, I present a feasable explanation for the ban of DDT to stimulate your think-box. If you feel safer in a crowd and still insist that DDT is a deadly scourge, it’s your game, go right ahead. -Mad Kaiser

There is no vaccine against malaria. It mutates readily, making it hard for a vaccine to be effective. The disease is treatable in most cases, but easily develops a resistance to drugs. The result is that in Sub-Sahara Africa alone the disease eliminates 70% more life than all cancers in all the developed countries combined. DDT had proven itself invaluable by preventing an estimated 500 million deaths due to malaria. In 1946 Sri Lanka had three million cases, but DDT reduced the numbers to only 29 by 1964! In India, the numbers of malaria cases fell from 75 million to roughly 50,000. Was the prospect of more people surviving malaria worldwide intolerable to the population-control and zero-growth organizations? There is some reason to believe so. In the 1960s, World Health Organization authorities believed there was no alternative to the overpopulation problem but to assure that up to 40% of the children in poor nations would die of malaria. The average Agency for International Development ideals stated, "Rather dead than alive and riotously reproducing." and "I'd rather die of malaria than starvation." Accordingly, population-control adherents set out to have DDT banned in the name of "saving the environment". Rachel Carson provided the doctrine for this nature-cult of Environmentalism by presenting the science of DDT erroneously in her 1962 book "Silent Spring". She predicted that mankind would destroy the Earth, through the use of pesticides like DDT, which would essentially poison the food chain. At its heart, the now thoroughly discredited book was religious, rather than scientific, full of untested theories and infamously flawed and purposly tampered experiments. “Scientists” purposely fed birds and other animals nutrient-deficient diets to produce their desired results. The book served it's purpose and the public hystericly demanded the government save them from this chemical plague. The new Environment-Bible of the hour was championed by several Environmentalism groups, who soon found their coffers and poor-boxes full of donated and redirected tax money. Encouraged by the new influence of the now financially important Environmentalism groups, extensive hearings on DDT before an EPA administrative judge occurred during 1971 and 1972. The EPA hearing examiner, Judge Edmund Sweeney, concluded that "DDT is not a carcinogenic hazard, DDT is not a mutagenic or teratogenic hazard, and does not have a deleterious effect on freshwater fish, estuarine organisms, wild birds or other wildlife." In 1956 men who voluntarily ingested .001oz(35mg) of DDT (half the amount required to treat a single home for six months) daily for nearly two years were carefully examined up until the hearing and had developed no adverse effects. The application of DDT involves only a tiny, contained, environmentally tolerable, fraction of a dose. This is why some international health agencies, including UNICEF, support the judicious use of DTT. EPA administrator Ruckelshaus, a member of the Environmental Defense Fund,

CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS banned DDT in 1972 anyway. Science, it would seem, gets in the way of social activists, politicians, lawyers, and government in general. Ruckelshaus never attended a single hearing of the seven months of EPA hearings, nor did he read the transcript of the EPA hearings, nor did he examine any of the research results suplied for the hearings. Within the decade, all developed countries, and some developing countries, banned DDT to the detriment of their health. In Sri Lanka, cases of malaria soon rose to 500,000 per year. Malaria has since returned with a vengeance, accounting for 300 million cases and one million deaths a year, mainly children.

DIMETHYL BENZENE

Common Name(s): Xylene, Xylol Dosage: 1.8oz(50.8g) DC: 19 Onset: 2D10 Minutes Duration: 6D4 Hours (Alcohol Consumption Increases Duration By 25%) Symptoms: Pain (Abdominal), Confusion, Dizziness, Headache, Incoordination Damage: Mild Kidney Damage, Mild Liver Damage, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Mild Kidney Damage, Save Vs Mild Liver Damage (Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Unconsciousness Xylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that burns easily. Xylene occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tar. It is used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. It is also used as a cleaner, paint thinner, and as a component of paints and varnishes. Xylene is one of the top 30 most abundant chemicals produced in the United States by volume.

DIMETHYL KETONE

Common Name(s): Acetone, Beta-Ketopropane Dosage: 1.7oz(48g) DC: 20 Onset: 3D4 Hours Duration: 1D6 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Fainting, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Coma Save: Save Vs Coma Acetone is a naturally occuring and manufactured chemical. It is a colorless liquid with a distinct smell and taste. It evaporates easily, is flammable, and dissolves in water. Acetone is used primarily as a solvent, commonly found in factories used to make plastic, artificial fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. It occurs naturally in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, and as a product of the breakdown of body fat. It is also present in vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites. Acetone can be absorbed through the lungs, digestive tract, and the skin.

DIMETHYLPHOSPHORAMIDO-CYANIDATE

Common Name(s): Nerve Agent GA, Tabun Dosage: .3oz(8g) DC: 35

Onset: Instant Duration: 2D30 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Labored Breathing, Drooling, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Extreme Brain Damage, Extreme Nerve Damage Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduce damage By 40%), Save Vs Extreme Brain Damage (Reduce damage By 50%), Save Vs Extreme Nerve Damage (Reduce damage By 50%) Tabun is a clear colorless and tasteless liquid with a slightly fruity odor. Tabun is a G-Class (German) nerve agent and was the first nerve agent to be discovered. In 1936 German scientist Dr. Gerhard Schrader first developed Tabun as an insecticide, where he first noticed the effects of nerve agents on humans when he and his lab assistant began to experience shortness of breath and contraction of the pupils while working with the substance. A factory for Tabun production was built and a total of 11,800 tons of Tabun were produced from 1942 to 1945. At the end of the World War II the Allies seized large quantities of Tabun and other nerve agents for study and disposal. The word "Tabun" has no particular meaning and is rumored to have been made up to hide the discovery.

ETHYLENE GLYCOL/PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Common Name(s): Antifreeze, Brake Fluid, De-Icer Dosage: 8oz(226.8g) DC: 18 Onset: 1D12 Hours Duration: 1D3 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Fainting, Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Difficulty Speaking Damage: Brain Damage, Cardiac Failure 6D10+5 3D4 Per Hour, Kidney Damage, Kidney Failure 3D20+10 +3D6 Per Hour, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Brain Damage, Save Vs Cardiac Failure, Save Vs Kidney Damage, Save Vs Kidney Failure Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol are used to manufacture antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, and boats, polyester compounds and are used as solvents in plastic industries. Ethylene glycol is also an ingredient in photographic developing solutions, hydraulic brake fluids and inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint pens, and print shops. Both are clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquids at room temperature. Either compound can exist in vapor form, but Propylene Glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Ethylene Glycol is odorless and has a sweet taste. Propylene Glycol is practically odorless and tasteless.

ETHYLENE MONOCHLORIDE

Common Name(s): Chloroethene, Ethylene Monochloride, Monochloroethene, Monochloroethylene, VC, VCM, Vinyl Chloride, Vinyl Chloride Monomer Dosage: 2.8oz(80g) DC: 17 Onset: 1D6 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Drowsiness

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CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Liver Damage, Unconsciousness(Inhaled) Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Liver Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%) Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas with a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire coatings, and upholstery. Burning these products will release dangerous amounts of Vinyl Chloride.

FORMALDEHYDE

Common Name(s): Formaldehyde Dosage: .14oz(4g) DC: 20 Onset: 1D10 Hours Duration: 1D3 Days Symptoms: Cough, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Nosebleed, Rash, Severe Pain Damage: Coma Save: Save Vs Coma Formaldehyde is well known as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer. Its primary use is in the production of resins. Resins are used in foam insulations, as adhesives in the production of particle board and plywood, and in the treating of textiles.

FUEL OIL

Common Name(s): Diesel, Gasoline, Kerosene, Lighter Fluid, Petrol, Range Oil Dosage: 8oz(226.8g) DC: 18 Onset: 1D10 Hours Duration: 1D3 Days Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Cough, Cramps, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Rash, Severe Pain Damage: Coma, Liver Damage, Liver Failure 5D20+15, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Liver Failure Fuel oil is a yellowish to light brown liquid mixture that is refined from crude petroleum. Some chemicals found in fuel oil may evaporate easily, while others may more easily dissolve in water. Fuel oils may be found in engines, lamps/lanterns, heaters, furnaces, and stoves, or as solvents. Typically, a Fuel oil can contain more than 150 chemicals, including small amounts of benzene, toluene, and sometimes lead.

HEXANE

Common Name(s): n-Hexane Dosage: 25oz(708.75g) DC: 25 Onset: 6D4 Hours Duration: 1D6+6 Months Symptoms: Numbness(Feet, Hands), Weakness Damage: Paralyzation(Arms, Legs)

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Save: Reduce Duration By 50% Hexane is a chemical refined from crude petroleum. Pure Hexane is a colorless liquid with a slightly harsh odor. It is highly flammable, and the vapors can be explosive. The major use for solvents containing Hexane is to extract vegetable oils from soybeans, and cleaning agents in the printing, textile, furniture, and shoemaking industries. Several quick-drying glues and rubber cements also contain Hexane.

HYDROCYANIC ACID

Common Name(s): Blue Acid, Cyanide, Cyclone B, KCN, HCN, Prussic Acid, Zyklon-B Dosage:.56oz (16g) DC: 20 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 1D4+2 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Deafness, Dizziness, Headache, Weakness Damage: Brain Damage, Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +3d6 Per Hour, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Brain Damage, Save Vs Cardiac Failure, Save Vs Unconsciousness Cyanide is usually found joined with other chemicals to form compounds. Hydrogen Cyanide is a colorless gas with a faint, bitter, almond-like odor. Sodium Cyanide and Potassium Cyanide are both white solids with a bitter, almond-like odor in damp air. Cyanide and Hydrogen Cyanide are used in electroplating, metallurgy, production of chemicals, photographic development, plastics, fumigating and mining. An Organic Cyanide is also produced as a defence by certain bacteria, fungi, and algae, and a number of plants. Zyklon-B was a German trade name of a pest and vermin poison that was used as a fumigant prior to World War I by the United States. Two German firms, Tesch/Stabenow and Degesch, acquired the patent to provide Germany with a powerful delousing poison. Hydrocyanic Acid was allowed to soak into wood pulp or clay pellets with an irritant added to warn bystanders of its presence. These pellets were then sealed in an airtight can to make handling and transportation safer. ZyklonB is still used today for the fumigation of furniture, barracks, silos, ships, and the destruction of animal burrows.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Common Name(s): Peroxide, Peroxide Bleach Dosage: 3oz(85g) DC: 14 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 1D6 Hours Symptoms: Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Embolism 3D30+20 Save: Save Vs Embolism Hydrogen Peroxide is a colorless liquid with a bitter taste. Hydrogen Peroxide is unstable, decomposing readily to oxygen and water with release of heat. Although nonflammable, it is a powerful oxidizing agent that causes spontaneous combustion

CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS when it comes in contact with organic material making it suitable for medicinal applications and as a clothes and hair bleach. In industry, a highly concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide is used to bleach textiles and paper, as a component of rocket fuel, and foam rubber production.

ISOPHORONE

Common Name(s): Isophthalic Acid Dosage: 2.8oz(80g) DC: 19 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 2D8 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Fatigue Damage: Coma Save: Save Vs Coma(Reduce Duration By 75%) Isophorone is a clear liquid that smells like peppermint that dissolves in water. It is an industrial chemical used as a solvent in some printing inks, paints, lacquers, and adhesives. Isophorone is a primarily industrial chemical, but it is also found occurring naturally in cranberries in microscopic amounts.

MALATHION

Common Name(s): Malathion Concentrate, Malathion Spray Dosage: 8oz(226.8g) DC: 22 Onset: 3D6 Hours Duration: 2D4 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Cramps, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Labored Breathing, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Unconsciousness, Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Reduces Damage By 50%) Malathion is a pesticide used on agricultural crops, golf courses, and home gardens. It is used primarily to kill mosquitos and fruit flies in large outdoor areas. Additionally, Malathion is used to kill fleas on pets and to treat head lice. Usually, it is sprayed on crops or sprayed from an airplane over wide land areas, especially in the states of California and Florida. Malathion comes in two forms, a pure colorless liquid and a technical-grade brownish-yellow liquid, which contains Malathion and impurities in a solvent. Technical grade Malathion smells like garlic.

METHYL ISOCYANATE

Common Name(s): Isocyanic Acid Dosage: 8oz(226.8g) DC: 15 Onset: 8D4 Hours Duration: Permanent Symptoms: Cough, Labored Breathing Damage: Severe Lung Damage Save: Save Vs Severe Lung Damage (Reduce Damage By 50%) Methyl Isocyanate is a colorless liquid that evaporates quickly and is highly flamable. It has a sharp, strong chemical odor. Methyl Isocyanate is used in the production of pesticides,

polyurethane foam, and plastics.

METHYL TRICHLORIDE

Common Name(s): Chloroform Dosage: .017oz(500mg) DC: 30 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache Damage: Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Unconsciousness Chloroform is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, non-irritating odor and a slightly sweet taste. In the past, Chloroform was used as an inhaled anesthetic before surgery, but it is used now to make chemical propellants and plastics. It can also be produced in small amounts when chlorine is added to water. The first recorded use of inhalation anesthesia occurred in 1865 at the hands of Dr. George Post, an American missionary surgeon. In order to demonstrate digestion organs, Dr. Post administered Chloroform to a dog before surgery. He also pioneered new standards of patient safety and procedure for surgery, the dangers of a full stomach, and cardiac and respiratory arrest. Because of it's dangerous nature, Chloroform use was discontinued in favor of Ether in 1899.

METHYLPHOSPHONOFLUORIDATE-PINACOLYL

Common Name(s): Nerve Agent GD, Soman, Trilon Dosage: .0001oz(5mg) DC: 35 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D30 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Labored Breathing, Drooling, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Extreme Brain Damage, Extreme Nerve Damage Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduce damage By 40%), Save Vs Extreme Brain Damage (Reduce damage By 25%), Save Vs Extreme Nerve Damage (Reduce damage By 25%) Soman is the weaker twin of the nerve agent Sarin, though with impurities, it gives a weak odor of camphor, nutmeg, or orange peel. Soman was discovered in 1944 and was the third and last of the original G-Class nerve gases developed by Dr. Gerhard Schrader and his assistants. Soman was found to be exceptionaly hard to manufacture and was was never mass produced. Only a small amount was found in a labratory when the war came to an end.

METHYLPHOSPHONOTHIOLATE-DIISOPROPYL

Common Name(s): Nerve Agent VX, Nerve Agent VX2 Dosage: .0003oz(10mg) DC: 43 Onset: 1D4 Minutes Duration: 2D10 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Labored Breathing, Drooling, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Extreme

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CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS Brain Damage, Extreme Nerve Damage Save: Reduce Duration By 25% VX is a odorless, tasteless and oily liquid that can be clear or amber colored, similar to motor oil. VX is normally found in this liquid state despite the nerve gas name. It has a low volatility and is an excellent adhesive. A special form has been developed that is so adhesive that it is virtually impossible to remove from the surface that it is in contact with. VX was discovered by British scientists in 1952. The British traded the discovery with the U.S. Army in 1953 for information on thermonuclear weapons and a systematic investigation of these new compounds was begun at the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. In 1955, the compounds were designated VClass (Venomous). Because VX is a weapon of mass destruction that spreads from an impact point killing all in its path with brutal efficiency, there would be a high possibility of a nuclear counterattack if used in great quantities.

METHYLFLUOROPHOSPHONATE-ISOPROPYL

Common Name(s): Nerve Agent GB, Sarin, Zarin Dosage: .00001oz(.5mg) DC: 35 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D30 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Labored Breathing, Drooling, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Extreme Brain Damage, Extreme Nerve Damage Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduce damage By 40%), Save Vs Extreme Brain Damage (Reduce damage By 10%), Save Vs Extreme Nerve Damage (Reduce damage By 10%) Sarin vapor is colorless, odorless, tasteless and diffuses very rapidly into the human skin. It is slightly heavier than air, so it tends to drift above the ground for weeks if not months, depending on how much is used. Under wet and humid weather conditions sarin degrades swiftly, but as the temperature rises up to a certain point, sarin’s lethal duration increases, despite the humidity. Sarin gas was on full-scale production in early 1940 and up to 10 tons of the gas was produced by the end of WWII. Sarin got it's name from the German scientists Schrader, Ambros, Rudriger and Van Linde. Sarin was released in commuter trains on three different Tokyo subway lines by the Aum Shinrikyo cult in 1995. Sarin was concealed in lunch boxes and soft-drink containers and placed on subway train floors. It was released as terrorists punctured the containers with umbrellas before leaving the trains. The incident was timed to coincide with rush hour, when trains were packed with commuters. Over 5,500 people were injured in the attack.

MUSTARD GAS

Common Name(s): Distilled Mustard, Kampfstoff "Lost", Mustard HD, Mustard Vapor, Mustard Sulfur, S Mustard, SLost, S-Yperite, Schwefel-Lost, Sulfur Mustard, Sulfur Mustard Gas, Sulphur Mustard, Sulphur Mustard Gas, Yellow Cross Liquid, Yperite

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Dosage: .2oz(5.7g) DC: 21 Onset: 1D12 Hours Duration: 4D4 Days Symptoms: Cough, Nausea/Vomiting, Rash, Severe Itching, Swelling (Eyelids, Skin), Yellow Blisters, Weakness Damage: Blindness, Mild Asphyxiation 2D10 +2D4 Per Minute, Severe Lung Damage Save: Save Vs Mild Asphyxiation, Reduce Duration By 25% Mustard Gas is not really a gas, but a liquid comprised of several manufactured chemicals thaat is not likely to change into a gas immediately if released at room temperature. As a pure liquid, it is colorless and odorless, but when mixed it becomes brown and has a garlic, horseradish or apple-like smell. It generaly requires an explosion, such as an artilery shell, or another powerful force, to vaporise the liquid into it's deadly gasseous form. Mustard Gas was first used by the German Army in 1917. The most employed of all the chemical weapons used during the war by either side, Yperite was so powerful that only small amounts had to be added to high explosive shells to be effective. Once in the soil, mustard gas remains active for several weeks, esspecially in cold weather and forms stiff floating clumps in water that can remain deadly for years. Mustard Gas is still used by some Third-World Dictators, Warlords and Terrorists, especially in the Middle-East.

NAPHTHALENE

Common Name(s): Carbaryl, Naphtha, Tar Camphor, White Tar Dosage: .85oz(24g) DC: 12 Onset: 2D8 Rounds Duration: 1D10 Hours Symptoms: Diarrhea, Fatigue, Jaundice, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50% Naphthalene is a white solid with a strong smell. Naphthalene is a natural component of fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal used in the manufacture of resins, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and insect repellents. Other items made from Naphthalene are moth balls and crystals, urinal cakes and diaper pail deodorant blocks. Naphthalene is also used in leather tanning chemicals.

NITROBENZENE

Common Name(s): 4-NBP, 4-Nitrobiphenyl, Oil Of Mirbane Dosage: .7oz(21g) DC: 16 Onset: 3D4 Minutes Duration: 2D10+4 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: Liver Damage, Unconsciousness Save: Reduce Duration By 35% Nitrobenzene is an oily yellow liquid with an almond-like

CHAPTER 3 - TOXIC CHEMICALS odor. It is produced in large quantities for use in manufacture of a chemical called aniline, a parent substance for many dyes and drugs, pesticides, and synthetic rubber. Nitrobenzene is also used to produce lubricating oils used in motors and machinery.

PENTACHLOROPHENOL

Common Name(s): PCP Dosage: .56oz(16g) DC: 16 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Severe Fever, Dizziness, Headaches, Sweating Damage (Double Damage To Creature Subtype: AQUATIC): Brain Damage, Kidney Damage, Liver Damage, Lung Damage, Nerve Damage Save: Save Vs Brain Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Kidney Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Liver Damage (Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Lung Damage (Reduce Damage By 50%), Save Vs Nerve Damage (Reduce Damage By 50%) Pure pentachlorophenol exists as an odorless white powder or colorless crystals. Impure pentachlorophenol is found as dark gray or brown dust, beads, or flakes. Pentachlorophenol was widely used as a pesticide and wood preservative for utility poles, railroad ties, and docks up until 1984, when the purchase and use of pentachlorophenol became restricted to certified licence holders only and no longer available to the general public. It is still used industrially as a wood preservative.

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Common Name(s): Lye, Oven Cleaner Dosage: .7oz(20g) DC: 13 Onset: 20D6 Minutes Duration: 8D6 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Pain(Abdomen, Ears, Eyes, Nose, Throat), Swelling(Throat) Damage: Mild Liver Damage Save: (Reduce Duration By 25%) Sodium Hydroxide is a white, odorless, crystal powder used to manufacture dyes, explosives, paper, petroleum products, rayon, and soaps. It is also used in processing cotton, laundry bleaching, metal cleaning, and electroplating. It is also commonly present in commercial drain and oven cleaners.

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE

Common Name(s): Bleach, Chlorine Bleach, Pool Tablets Dosage: .00088oz(.025g) DC: 16 Onset: 1D2 Days Duration: 1D6 Days Symptoms: Cough, Irritation (Eyes, Skin), Wheezing Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Lung Damage Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduce Damage By 70%), Save Vs

Lung Damage Chlorine is a yellow-green gas at room temperature, that is heavier than air and has a strong irritating odor. Exposure to Chlorine Gas is rare, the most common exposures occur with products made from Chlorine. Sodium Hypochlorite is used as a disinfectant in public drinking water and swimming pools and as common household bleach. If these are swallowed, Chlorine Gas is produced in the stomach and causes serious corrosive injury. The first chemical agent to be used was about one hundred sixty tons of chlorine gas, which was released from 6,000 pressurized cylinders by the Germans against the Allies on April 22, 1915, near the Belgian village of Ypres. The chlorine floated in huge clouds on the wind until it reached the Allied lines. Over 5,000 allied troops died in the attack and in a second attack two days later, another 5,00 soldiers died. Both attacks wounded about 15,000 men.

TERPENE

Common Name(s): Eucalyptus Oil, Pine Oil, Turpentine Dosage:2.8oz (80g) DC: 15 Onset: Instant Duration: 8D6 Hours Symptoms: Pain (Abdominal), Blurred Vision, Headache, Sore Throat, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Mild Asphyxiation 2D10 +2D4 Per Minute Save: Reduce Duration By 35% Terpene is highly concentrated distilation of the fluids of certain plants and is a flammable, colorless liquid with a characteristic strong odor. Commercial Turpentine is produced from pine wood and needle distillation and is used to manufacture perfume, solvents, glues and most household detergents. Pine oil and Turpentine are also reliable natural repellents for insect vermin.

TETRACHLOROETHYLENE

Common Name(s): PCE, Perc, Perchloroethylene Dosage: .00028oz(8.16mg) DC: 16 Onset: 1D10 Rounds Duration: 10D10 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Hallucinations, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Cardiac Failure 6D10+5 3D4 Per Hour, Coma, Liver Damage, Severe Kidney Damage Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 75%), Save Vs Cardiac Failure, Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Liver Damage, Save Vs Severe Kidney Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%) Tetrachloroethylene is a sweet smelling solvent used in commercial and industrial dry cleaning. Since being introduced to the drycleaning industry in the late 1930s, it has replaced most Solvents due to its nonflammability. Its other major uses are as a metal cleaning and degreasing solvent and manufacture of HFC 134a, an alternative to CFC refrigerants.

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CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS POISONOUS MUSHROOMS

AMANITA

These beautiful, stark-white mushMushroom poisoning is caused rooms are among the deadliest mushchiefly by the consumption of raw or rooms in the world, containing enough cooked mushrooms and toadstools. The poison to kill a healthy adult with just term toadstool comes from the German one bite. All of these mushrooms have a word Todesstuhl, which translates as cap 2" to 5" wide oval becoming death's stool. Toadstool is a convex, then broadly convex to name commonly given to poinearly plane in age. The flesh sonous mushrooms, but for is smooth, dry, stark white, individuals who do not sometimes coloring to yelpossess the proper identilow or to bright red with fication skills, there are age. Gills are white and generally no easily recclose. Stems are 3" to 8" ognizable differences long and .5" to 1" thick, between poisonous and frequently tapering somenonpoisonous species. In what to apex and flaring to an fact, there is no general rule enlarged base. Bases are of thumb for distinguishing edible mushrooms and poison- Agaricus Xanthodermus smooth or finely hairy, white, with a persistent skirt like ring ous toadstools. Any skilled or that almost always remains. The smell is unskilled attempts at gathering mushmost distinctive in older specimens, rooms should be made secretly by the being like strong bleach. Dungeon Master.

AGARICUS

The caps of this mushroom range in size from 1" to 5". The color is whitish with a smooth and glossy to fibrous surface. The gills are free from the stem, having a deep pink color that becomes brown and then dark chocolate brown in maturity. These gills are covered with a thin white partial veil when in the button stage. Stems are 1" to 2.5" long and .5" thick, sometimes tapering slightly to the base. The taste and smell are appealing. This genus also includes some very good edibles. Those without the proper Knowledge skill have a DC20 when trying to gather edible Agaricus, otherwise they will pick a toxic variety when foraging. Agaricus Albolutescens Common Name(s): Meadow Toadstool Poison: Paresthesine Agaricus Placomyces Common Name(s): Black Scale Toadstool Poison: Paresthesine Agaricus Silvicola Common Name(s): White Peck Poison: Paresthesine Agaricus Xanthodermus Common Name(s): Yellow Stainer Poison: Paresthesine

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Amanita Muscaria Common Name(s): Fly Agaric Poison: Muscimol Amanita Ocreata Common Name(s): Destroying Angel Poison: Amanitin Amanita Pantherina Common Name(s): Panther Poison: Muscimol Amanita Parcivolvata Common Name(s): False Fly Agaric Poison: Paresthesine Amanita Phalloides Common Name(s): Death Cap Poison: Amanitin Amanita Smithiana Common Name(s): Smith's Amanita Poison: Orellanine

Amanita Bisporigera Common Name(s): Death Angel Poison: Amanitin

Amanita Vaginata Common Name(s): True Grisette Poison: Amanitin

Amanita Brunnescens Common Name(s): Cleft-Foot Amanita Poison: Paresthesine

Amanita Verna Common Name(s): Spring Destroying Angel Poison: Amanitin

Amanita Chlorinosma Common Name(s): Toad Bleach, Chlorine Amanita Poison: Paresthesine

Amanita Virosa Common Name(s): Spring Amanita Poison: Amanitin

Amanita Cothurnata Common Name(s): Booted Amanita Poison: Muscimol

BOLETUS

These red-pored mushrooms are recognized by large size and club-shaped stem with coarse, reddish scales. Caps Amanita Flavoconia range from 3" to 7" wide and are broadly Common Name(s): Yellow convex, almost spherical. The Patches, Yellow Wart surface is dry, uneven or pitPoison: Paresthesine ted, color ranging from dull-brown to creamAmanita Flavorubescens brown, the pigments Common Name(s): often mottled, freYellow Blusher quently tinged redPoison: Paresthesine dish towards the edge. Most turn blue when Amanita Frostiana cut. The odor is not disCommon Name(s): Frost's tinctive and they have a Amanita mild taste. The spores of Poison: Paresthesine Boletus are brown to dull Boletus Satanus olive-brown. Amanita Gemmata Some members of the genus Boletus Common Name(s): Gemmed Amanita, are among the best edible mushrooms. Jeweled Deathcap To have much success with identificaPoison: Muscimol tion, you will need working familiarity

CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS with this genus. The mushrooms in Boletus often change their appearance rather drastically as they develop. Those without the proper Knowledge skill have a DC30 when trying to gather edible Boletus, otherwise they will pick a toxic variety when foraging.

The caps of the Clitocybe range from 2" to 10" wide and convex with an incurved margin. They have a color ranging from grayish to light brownish gray. The surface almost always moist, and the flesh is thick, white. The stems are also white, sizes range from 2" to 10" long and 1" thick. The spores are yellow and plentiful. All have an unpleasant odor, either rancid or skunky.

COPRINUS

Boletus Pulcherrimus Common Name(s): Beautiful Bolete Poison: Paresthesine

Clitocybe Clavipes Common Name(s): Clubfoot Funnelcap, Fat-Footed Clitocybe Poison: Coprine

Caps range from 1" to 6" wide and are oval when young, expanding to broadly convex or bell-shapes, sometimes with a curled up and/or tattered margin. The flesh is yellow brown, amber, or sometimes paler and becoming paler with age towards the margin. Gills are attached to the stem and pale, becoming brown, then black. These black gills will liquify, turning to black "ink". Stems are 1" to 3" long but never more than .2" thick. They are white, fibrous, and hollow. Spores are smooth and black.

Boletus Satanus Common Name(s): Satan's Bolete Poison: Paresthesine

Clitocybe Dealbata Common Name(s): Sweater Cap Poison: Muscarine

Coprinus Atramentarius Common Name(s): Inky Cap Poison: Coprine

Boletus Sensibilis Common Name(s): Delicate Boletus, Splatty Boletus Poison: Paresthesine

Clitocybe Rivulosa Common Name(s): Miller's Cap Poison: Muscarine

Coprinus Fuscescens Common Name(s): Dark Cap Poison: Coprine

Clitocybe Truncicola Common Name(s): No Name Poison: Muscarine

Coprinus Insignis Common Name(s): Reagle Ink Poison: Coprine

CONOCYBE

Coprinus Micaceus Common Name(s): Mica Cap Poison: Coprine Cortinarius Orellanus Common Name(s): Poznan Cort Poison: Coprine

Boletus Frostii Common Name(s): Frost's Bolete Poison: Paresthesine

CHLOROPHYLLUM MOLYBDITES

Common Name(s): Green Gill, Green Spored Lepiota, Green-Spored Parasol Poison: Paresthesine

Characterized by a obtusely-conic The cap is 2" to 7" broad paraboloid, cap, almost a sharp funnel shape or bellkeeping a shaggy margin from shaped, .3" to 1" across. The surveil fragments in youth. It is face is smooth, at first lightbrown, sometimes with brown, fading to dull brown. white tints, with occasionThe stalks are tiny and fragal expansion cracking. It ile, often quite long in prowill sporadically turnportion to width. Gills ing carrot-orange are usually rusty brown when injured. The gills to cinnamon brown at are free and close, creammaturity. Spores are brown colored in age, buff-brown to cinnamon brown. to grayish-olive when young. This genus also The stem is 2" to 4" long, and includes some very good edi.5" to 1" thick, slightly enlarged Clitocybe Clavipes bles. Those without the proper to bulbous at the base and white, bruisKnowledge skill have a DC18 when trying dull vinaceous-brown, then graying to gather edible Conocybe, otherwise brown in older material. The spores are a they will pick a toxic variety when foragdistinctive green color. ing. Chlorophyllum Molybdites is a toxic Conocybe Cyanopus look-alike of Macrolepiota Rachodes, a Common Name(s): Blue Conocybe good edible species. The differences Poison: Psilocybin between these two species can be subtle, particularly when young. Those without Conocybe Filaris the proper Knowledge skill have a DC26 Common Name(s): Cotton Conocybe when trying to gather the edible Poison: Amanitin Macrolepiota Rachodes, otherwise they will pick a toxic Chlorophyllum Conocybe Smithii Molybdites when foraging. Common Name(s): Smith’s Conocybe Poison: Psilocybin CLITOCYBE

ENTOLOMA

Caps are 2" to 6" wide, being slightly convex and lumpy. Skin color ranges from dark bluish-gray to light gray. Gills are notched, white to pale blue in color, becoming pinkish as spores mature. Stems range from 2" to 4" long, .5" to 1" thick, and are usually streaked bluishgray above, and pallid to whitish below. Spores are always salmon-pink. Very few members of the genus Entoloma are edible mushrooms. To have much success with identification, you will need working familiarity with this genus. Those without the proper Knowledge skill have a DC30 when trying to gather edible Entoloma, otherwise they will pick a toxic variety when foraging. Even those with the requisite skills have a -5 when identifying. Entoloma Mammosum Common Name(s): Pink Nipple Entoloma Nidorosum

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CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS Common Name(s): Pink Gills Poison: Paresthesine Entoloma Pascuum Common Name(s): Passover Entoloma Poison: Paresthesine Entoloma Rhodopolium Common Name(s): Rhode Entoloma Poison: Paresthesine Entoloma Salmoneum Common Name(s): Salmon Cap Poison: Paresthesine Entoloma Strictius Common Name(s): Erect Entoloma Poison: Paresthesine Entoloma Vernum Common Name(s): Spring Entoloma Poison: Paresthesine

GALERINA

Galerina caps are 1" to 2" wide, and slightly convex. Their flesh is usually moist, yellow-brown to cream, with a strait margin. Gills are tan to rust-brown and close. The gills are very distinct, making it easier to recognize this species from below than from above. Stalks range from 3" to 4" tall and .2" to .5" wide, have smooth skin and range from pale brown to dark brown in color. Spores are rust-brown.

The stem is up to 5" tall, .5" to 1" thick, shades. The under-sides are paler, stout, tapering downward, and hollow ingrowing with stem where contact near the base, sometimes discoloring occurs. The stem is 1" to 4" long, pale tan brown. to white and as thick as the cap, Though a few describe with ribs or waves. members of this genus as ediGyromitra are toxic ble and even choice, they look-alikes of the Morchella have a mealy flavor and genus, best known as are usually regarded as morels. Morels are mediocre by most among the most popumushroom hunters. This lar edible mushrooms. species also attracts False morels grow almost insects and is often infested everywhere that morels with fly larva. Those without grow. This makes hunting for the proper Knowledge skill morels in the spring a risky have a DC30 when trying to Gyromitra Californica enterprise, despite the fact that gather edible Entoloma, otherwise so many people feel confident. they will pick a toxic variety or an insect Those without the proper Knowledge infested mushroom when foraging. skill have a DC30 when trying to gather the edible Morchella, otherwise they will Gomphus Bonari pick a toxic Gyromitra when foraging. Common Name(s): Short & Woolly Even those with the requisite skills have Poison: Paresthesine a -10 when identifying. Gomphus Floccosus Common Name(s): Woolly Chanterelle Poison: Paresthesine Gomphus Kauffmanii Common Name(s): Woolly Gomphus Poison: Paresthesine

GYMNOPILUS

Caps range from 2" to 6" across, with a convex then expanded shape similar to a large furniture button. These mushrooms have a rich Gomphus Bonari golden color and are usually covGalerina Autumnalis ered in small fibrous scales. The meat is Common Name(s): Deadly Galerina pale yellowish and taste very bitter. Poison: Amanitin Stems are 2" to 5" long and up to 1" thick, usually swollen in the lower part but narGalerina Marginata rowed again at base. Spores are rustyCommon Name(s): Margined Galerina orange. Poison: Amanitin Gymnopilus Aeruginosus Galerina Venenata Common Name(s): Golden Saucer Common Name(s): Brownie Cap Poison: Psilocybin Poison: Amanitin Gymnopilus Validipes Common Name(s): Tree Rotter GOMPHUS Poison: Psilocybin Caps are cylindrical and vaseshaped, up to 5" wide with a margin plane to strongly uplifted. The skin is moist, nearly smooth when young, and coarsely scaly at maturity, especially at the center. Color ranges from yellowishorange to reddish-orange fading in age.

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GYROMITRA

Caps range from 1" to 4.5" wide and are very misshapen, looking like a large wrinkled prune. Color ranges from tan to yellow brown, and rarely with red

Gyromitra Ambigua Common Name(s): Devil's Morel, Bull Nose Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Brunnea Common Name(s): Brown False Morel Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Californica Common Name(s): Red False Morel Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Caroliniana Common Name(s): Brown Bonnet Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Esculenta Common Name(s): Beefsteak Morel Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Fastigiata Common Name(s): Elephant Ear Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Gigas Common Name(s): Snow Mushroom, Snow-Bank Morel Poison: Gyromitrin Gyromitra Infula Common Name(s): Walnut Morel Poison: Gyromitrin

HEBELOMA

Caps range from 3" to 5" wide, con-

CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS vex at first with an inrolled margin. Surfaces are smooth, moist, cream to brown shading to a light-brown. Flesh is thick and white with the odor of radish and a bitter taste. Gills are also white becoming pale brown, with finely serrated edges and droplets of liquid when young. Stem ranges from 1.5" to 3" long, enlarged at the base and covered with fine powdery granules. Hebeloma Crustuliniforme Common Name(s): Poison Pie Poison: Paresthesine Hebeloma Fastibile Common Name(s): Sham Mushroom Poison: Paresthesine Hebeloma Sinapizans Common Name(s): Mexico Cap Poison: Paresthesine

INOCYBE

Caps are 1" to 2" wide, with a cone shape becoming convex at the margin. In old age, the cap opens like an umbrella to become nearly plane, the margin tending to split in dry weather. The color is white to pallid, often spotted brown in age. The stem 1" to 3" tall, tapering downward, sometimes with a small bulb. The surface is moist, forming a temporary hairy texture that soon disappears in age. Spores are oblong and brown. Inocybe Geophylla Common Name(s): White Devil Poison: Muscarine Inocybe Lilacina Common Name(s): Lavender Cap Poison: Muscarine Inocybe Sororia Common Name(s): Bad Sister Poison: Muscarine

LACTARIUS

those that have grown in dry weather. Some milky caps are relatively easy to identify, while others can frustrate even educated and experienced “Lactariologists”. Those without the proper Knowledge skill have a DC30 when trying to gather the edible Lactarius, otherwise they will pick a toxic Lactarius when foraging. Even those with the requisite skills have a 15 when identifying. Lactarius Chrysorheus Common Name(s): Candy Cap Poison: Paresthesine

Characterized by a pale white cap, white unchanging latex, and a hairy stem. It often fruits with other birch-loving species. Lactarius Scrobiculatus Common Name(s): Birch Cap Poison: Paresthesine Characterized by a dull tanbrown to medium-brown cap that normally does not blue when cut, or if so, only faintly. It often fruits with other birch-loving species.

LEPIOTA

Characterized by a Mushrooms in this rusty brown, usually dimgroup have white spores, pled or depressed cap, pinkgills that are white to yellow, ish gills that bleed watery latex, and partial veils that typically and a smooth, brittle stem colleave a ring on the stem. Caps Lepiota Cristata ored like the cap. Fresh speciare 4" to 12" wide conical when young, mens have a faint, sweet odor, but when becoming convex to broadly convex in dried smell strongly of butterscotch. age, have a dry texture and are often scaly but do not have patches or warts. Lactarius Glaucescens These caps are often have spots of Common Name(s): Red Cap, Fire Cap intense color, usually near the center. Poison: Paresthesine Stems range 2" to 10" long, and sometimes slightly enlarged toward the base. Characterized by a red cap with a The textures are smooth, firm, white, finely thin margin which soon fades to sometimes discoloring slightly brownish, gray-brown, flesh-pink gills, and a stem with a double-edged ring. with matted, white bulb at the base. There are some edible mushrooms in the genus, but they should be avoided Lactarius Helvus by the unskilled hunter due to the possiCommon Name(s): Hell Cap bility of confusion with Amanita species. Poison: Paresthesine Those without the proper Knowledge skill have a DC25 when trying to gather Characterized by its large size, deep an edible Lepiota, otherwise they will purple color, and shorter spines on the pick a toxic Lepiota or Amanita when spores. The color of this mushroom, foraging. except the gills, fades fast as it loses moisture. Unless found when very fresh, Lepiota Clypeolaria often the only purple seen is in the gills. Common Name(s): Golden Shield Poison: Paresthesine Lactarius Representateus Common Name(s): Bloody Lepiota Cristata Lactarius Common Name(s): Fried Egg Poison: Paresthesine Poison: Paresthesine

Instead of being classified by a particular Characterized by look or growing patorange to orange red tern, mushrooms in this caps and green discolgenus exude a "latex," or orations in age and a thick "milk", when injured. In blood-like dark reddish latex. some species, the milk is copious, and it seems to pour out of the mushroom when sliced Lactarius Chrysorheus Lactarius Rufus Common Name(s): Birch-Ghost or the gills are damaged. In older speciPoison: Paresthesine mens, the milk can be scarce, especially

Lepiota Lutea Common Name(s): Yellow Lepiota Poison: Amanitin

LYCOPERDON

The body of a typical Lycoperdon is a 1" to 4" sphere, with a large hollow gaseous chamber at maturity for spore dispersal. Colored white to pallid to pale

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CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS brown, the surface is composed of conical spines, surrounded by a circular row of warts. These spines are white to pallid to pale brown, leaving dark brown scars as they fall off. The base is well developed, forming a pseudo stem. Spines and warts are absent on this stem or much less prominent. Technically this fungus is not a mushroom, rather it is in a group of fungi called puffballs. The spores are formed inside a enclosed fruiting body, becoming dusty at maturity. When mature, the bulbus body breaks open allowing the spores to be blown away. Lycoperdon Marginatum Common Name(s): Butter Puffball Poison: Paresthesine Lycoperdon Subincarnatum Common Name(s): Puffball Poison: Paresthesine

NAEMATOLOMA FASCICULARE

Common Name(s): Sulphur Tuft Poison: Paresthesine Naematoloma Fasciculare is distinguished by its large stature, dry cap and cap shape. The cap is 3" to 6" wide, convex to broadly convex with an cracked and curved margin when young, sometimes with partial veil remnants. The cap is very variable in color, ranging from orange-brown to cinnamon brown, but sometimes paler toward the margin. The gills can be attached to the stem or pulling away from it, the color also ranges from pale to pale gray at first, becoming darker gray and eventually nearly purple-brown. The stem is 2" to 4" long, frequently tapering to base, smooth, and most often colored like the cap, or a bit more pale. It is extremely bitter.

mon and widely distributed grass mushrooms in the world, and often fruit in large numbers. Panaeolus Castaneifolius Common Name(s): Mower's Mushroom Poison: Psilocybin Panaeolus Cyanescens Common Name(s): Brownie Button Poison: Psilocybin

Pholiota Aurea Common Name(s): Scaly Pholiota Poison: Paresthesine Pholiota Squarrosa Common Name(s): Indian Pholiota Poison: Paresthesine

POLYPORUS

The misshapen lumpy body of a Polyporus can range from 2" to 12" wide and up to 2" thick. The shape is generally like a hand fan, pale tan to creamy yellowish color, Panaeolus Foenisecii darkening in age, with an Common Name(s): overlay of darker, brownHaymaker's Mushroom ish scales that are often Poison: Psilocybin radially arranged. The stem is typically subPanaeolus Sphinctrinus stantial and tough and Common Name(s): blackens as the mushroom Dead-Man Mushroom matures. It is also covered Poison: Psilocybin with large, angular, and frequently irregular pores somePolyporus Sulphureus Panaeolus Subbalteatus what like cork. This cork-skin is Common Name(s): Coffee Cap tough, especially towards the stem. Poison: Psilocybin Polyporus often grow near members the Morchella genus, best known as PAXILLUS INVOLUTUS morels. Morels are among the most popular edible mushrooms. Even the nonCommon Name(s): Brown Roll-Rim toxic varieties of Polyporus are rather Poison: Paresthesine tough and chewy, and a strongly mealy smell correlates to a strongly mealy Paxillus involutus is a large brown taste. It is not a highly sought variety, mushroom, ranging from 3" to 7" wide, especially when a tasty morel is right at recognized by a broadly depressed cap, hand. inrolled cap margin from which the species name and common name is derived. The stem is stout and Polyporus Berkeleyi lumpy honeycomb gills with Common Name(s): Bondazewia the tendency for all parts of Poison: Paresthesine the mushroom to bruise brown. The gills are also Polyporus Cristatus easily peeled from the Common Name(s): Mealy Polyporus cap and sometimes Poison: Paresthesine form rudimentary tubes. Panaeolus Fimicola Common Name(s): Kidney Cap Poison: Psilocybin

PHOLIOTA

Pholiota caps are 1" to PANAEOLUS 4" wide and slightly convex with The caps of the Panaeolus Naematoloma Fasciculare small brown scales over a pale fleshy to yellow layer. The margin is are tiny, only .5" to 1" wide, very bell smooth, often with veil fragments that shaped and smooth, or cracked in dry disappearing in age. Gills are close and weather. The skin is dark brown to cinthin, pallid at first, then dull brown at namon brown, changing to light brown, maturity. Stems range from 2" to 4"long, tan, or fleshy when in the process of dryoccasionally tapering downward. The ing out. Stems are 2" to 4" long, someskin is very dry, brown at base, pallid to times with an enlarged base, smooth, pale pink above with brown scales. fragile, and pale. They are the most com-

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Spores are brown to dark brown.

Polyporus Giganteus Common Name(s): Giant Polyporus Poison: Paresthesine Polyporus Schweinitzii Common Name(s): Cedar Rot Poison: Paresthesine Polyporus Sulphureus Common Name(s): Sulphur Polyporus Poison: Paresthesine

CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS PSILOCYBE

Psilocybe Cyanescens Common Name(s): Dung-Lover The cap is a conic bell shape, usually Poison: Psilocybin with a nipple or umbo at the top. ranging from .5" to 2" wide. The margins of the Psilocybe Cubensis caps are often incurved when young. Common Name(s): Basic Psilocybe, Some caps become convex and flat with King Psilocybe age, while others become wavy. The caps Poison: Psilocybin are moist and the margin is translucent, making the lines of the gill plates visible Psilocybe Pelliculosa on the caps when moist. Psilocybe Common Name(s): Conifer Psilocybe species have a film or membrane which Poison: Psilocybin can easily be separated from the cap. The colors of the cap range from a dark olive Psilocybe Semilanceata brown or chestnut rusty color when fresh Common Name(s): Liberty Cap to pale yellow when dried. A slight bluing Poison: Psilocybin occurs along the outer edges of the caps when damaged. Stems are similarly colPsilocybe Strictipes ored, though can show some blue from Common Name(s): No Name stress, and range from .5" to 2.5" long. Poison: Psilocybin Spores are inky black. These hallucinogenic mushroom use Psilocybe Stuntzii dates as far back as the earliest recorded Common Name(s): Stuntz's Blue Leg history can relate. Ancient paintings of Poison: Psilocybin mushroom-headed humanoids, dating back to 5,000 B.C. have been found in RAMARIA caves on the Tassili plateau of Northern Algeria. Ancient Central and South Ramaria are not typical mushrooms. American cultures built temples to Ramaria is recognized by an upright mushroom gods and carved stature, more or less parallel, many statues classified as with branching pattern similar 'mushroom stones'. These to coral or sea-weed. The stone carvings, in the branches are typically pinkshape of mushrooms, or ish-brown with slender in which figures are pale-yellow tips. Stems depicted under the cap range from .5" to 1" of a mushroom, have long, tough, and discolorbeen dated to as early as ing light-brown when 1000-500 B.C. The purpose bruised. The odor is slightly of the sculptures is not ceraromatic, but the taste is usutain, but were most likely used ally bitter. Psilocybe caerulescens as religious objects. This genus also includes some These mushrooms and their active very good edibles. Those without the ingredients are still used for recreation, proper Knowledge skill have a DC20 therapeutically, and as a part of new when trying to gather edible Ramaria, spiritual traditions. They are also a conotherwise they will pick a toxic variety trolled substance in 80% of the modern when foraging. civilized societies! Ramaria Formosa Psilocybe Baeocystis Common Name(s): Handsome Ramaria Common Name(s): Potent Psilocybe Poison: Paresthesine Poison: Psilocybin Ramaria Gelatinosa Psilocybe Caerulescens Common Name(s): Jelly Ramaria Common Name(s): Myan Mushroom Poison: Paresthesine Poison: Psilocybin Psilocybe Caerulipes Common Name(s): Blue-Foot Poison: Psilocybin

RUSSULA ROSACEA

Common Name(s): Rose Russula Poison: Paresthesine

vex with a rounded and in-turned margin. The surface is smooth, with a dark rose red to bright red to rose pink color, fading to pink or rose pink, often with yellowish blotches in age. The flesh is brittle and tastes very acrid. The stem is 2" to 4.5" long, stuffed white and brittle. This is considered a very pretty mushroom and is often depicted in popular art.

SCLERODERMA

These mushrooms are physically similar to the Lycoperdon puffballs. They are oblong spheres, 2" to 4" wide by 1" to 3" inches high. The color ranges from brown to yellow brown and the skin is covered with small, dark brown, rough warts. The rind is thick, yellow brown, initially becoming marbled purple and finally purple brown to dark brown as the spores become mature. Technically this fungus is not a mushroom, rather it is in a group of fungi called puffballs. The spores are formed inside a enclosed fruiting body, becoming dusty at maturity. When mature, the bulbus body breaks open allowing the spores to be blown away. Scleroderma Aurantium Common Name(s): Pigskin, Poison Puffball Poison: Paresthesine Scleroderma Cepa Common Name(s): Earthball Poison: Paresthesine

TRICHOLOMA

This group of mushrooms contains many diverse, and sometimes baffling, specimens. Tricholoma is more of a taxonomical convenience, a “catch-all”, than a natural group, consisting of mushrooms that are brought together more on a set of negative characteristics than any one positive uniting factor. If a medium-sized white mushroom with white spores doesn't fall into another standard genus, it is placed in this one. Tricholoma Album Common Name(s): White Tricholoma Poison: Paresthesine Tricholoma Nudum Common Name(s): Blewit Poison: Paresthesine

The cap is 2" to 6" wide, highly con-

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CHAPTER 4 - FUNGAL POISONS Tricholoma Pardinum Common Name(s): White Leopard Poison: Paresthesine Tricholoma Pessundatum Common Name(s): Devil-Toe Poison: Paresthesine Tricholoma Saponaceum Common Name(s): Syrup Bucket Poison: Paresthesine Tricholoma Sulphureum Common Name(s): Sulphur Bucket Poison: Paresthesine

VERPA BOHEMICA

Common Name(s): Early Morel Poison: Paresthesine Caps range from .5" to 1" wide and are very misshapen, looking like a small wrinkled prune. Color ranges from tan to yellow brown, and rarely with red shades. The undersides are more pale, ingrowing with the stem where contact occurs. The stem is .5" to 2" long, pale tan to white and as thick as the cap, with ribs or waves. It appears very early in the spring, and continues fruiting during the true morel season. It bears a resemblance to Morchella Semilibera, the Half-Free Morel. But the Half-Free Morel is half free, while Verpa bohemica has a cap that hangs completely free of the stem, attached only at the top.

FUNGUS POISONS Toxins are spread throughout the mushroom, so no matter which part is consumed the full effects will be felt. Mushrooms that cause human poisoning cannot be made nontoxic by cooking, freezing, or any other means of processing, and the material remains toxic for years, even decades. Because poisonous varieties can look very similar to edibles, it is a simple matter for an assasin to replace a few mushrooms in the pantry, drop a few mushrooms into a stew. In all cases .7oz(20G) of mushroom material is considered to have a minimum standard dose.

FOLK TALES

There are several convincing myths about the identification and handling of toxic mushroom varieties. The application of myth as fact is entirely up to the

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GM’s individual tastes. If You Can Peel It...: If you can peel the skin from a mushroom’s cap, you can eat it safely. Silver Spoons & Onions: If a silver spoon or onion is placed in a mushroom broth, it will darken in the presence of a poisonous mushroom. Blind Man’s Puff: If you kick or smash a puffball and get the spores in your eyes, it will make you blind. Yellow Salt: The liquids of a poisonous mushroom will make salt turn yellow.

AMANITIN

Dosage:.0005oz(16mg) DC: 22 Onset: 4D6 Hours Duration: Continuing Symptoms: Cramps, Diarrhea, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Severe Liver Damage, Kidney Failure 6D6+5, Liver Failure 5D20+15, 2D6 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Liver Failure(Reduce Damage By 25%), Save Vs Kidney Failure(Reduce Damage By 25%)

COPRINE

Dosage:.0007oz(20mg) DC: 16 Onset: 1D30+30 Minutes Duration: 1D4+1 Hours Symptoms: Anxiety, Pain (Chest), Red Skin, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Minor Liver Damage, 2D20 Save: Reduce Duration By 30% Special: Only poisonous when consumed with alcohol.

GYROMITRIN Dosage: .006oz(180mg) DC: 15 Onset: 1D8 Turns Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Pain (Abdominal), Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Fatigue, Severe Headache, Vertigo Damage: Coma, 4D4 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Coma

MUSCARINE

Dosage:.0022oz (63mg) DC: 11 Onset: 1D2 Hours Duration: 1D4+20 Hours Symptoms: Excessive Drooling, Sweating, Watery Eyes Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10, 2D8

Per Hour Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation

MUSCIMOL (IBOTENIC ACID)

Dosage: .02oz(600mg) DC: 20 Onset: 1D Hours Duration: 6D4 Hours Symptoms: Agitation, Anxiety, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Euphoria Damage: None Save: Reduces Duration By 50%

ORELLANINE/ORELLINE

Dosage: .1oz(3.2G) DC: 14 Onset: 3D4 Days Duration: 3D2 Days Symptoms: Chills, Headache, Pain, Severe Thirst Damage: Kidney Damage, Kidney Failure 6D6+5 Save: Save Vs Kidney Damage, Save Vs Kidney Failure(Increases Duration By 50%)

PSILOCYBIN

Dosage: 1.6oz(45.5g) DC: 30 Onset: 1D30+30 Minutes Duration: 1d4+3 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Hallucinations Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration by 40% After the Psilocybin has run it's duration, the user may suffer acute anxiety or depression for a variable period of time. Flashbacks have been reported days or even months after taking the last dose.

PARESTHESINE

Dosage: .03oz(900mg) DC: 12 Onset: 1D2 Hours Duration: 2D2 Hours Symptoms: Diarrhea,Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Slight Intstinal Damage 2D10 Per Hour Save: Save Vs All Effects Only Certain individuals are sensitive to this poison. If a saving throw is made, it is assumed that the target is immune to the effects of Paresthesine under normal healthy circumstances. If the saving throw is failed, the character will have a -5 on any future saves.

CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS ACANTHASTER

Common Name(s): Crown-Of-Thorns Dose: .012oz(360mg) DC: 13 Onset: 2D6 Rounds Duration: 3D8 Minutes Symptoms: Cough, Headache, Itching, Minor Swelling (Wound), Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Severe Pain, Weakness Damage: Paralyzation Save: Save Vs Paralyzation

tropical seas. One of their most distinguishing characteristics is their ability to change their scale color according to mood and environment. The Surgeonfish is named for the scalpel sharp blades that are found on their bodies. The location of these differs with varied species. While the fish is calm the blade is tucked inside a groove on their body, but the moment they are threatened the blade comes out from the rear of the fish, point forward and ready to cut. When the Surgeonfish are threatened by other species they will swim beside the intruder swinging their tails to inflict cuts. When their aim is accurate the intruder will receive long, deeply slicing cuts.

Acanthurus Achilles A Crown-Of-Thorns is a multi-colored starfish Common Name(s): found worldwide that can grow up to 2' across. Achilles Tang The "thorns" are actually long, sharp and poisonous spines that number in the thousands, Acanthurus growing to a length of 1.5" to 2". A thin layer Coeruleus Common of skin with venom glands envelopes the Name(s): spines. They are bottom dwellers, so contact is Caribbean Blue most often accidental. Injury occurs from the Tang spine and venom transferred into the wound from the spine. They do not have a set number of arms, so Acanthurus Japonicus any starfish found can have from 5 to 25 (4D6+1) arms, Acanthaster Ellisii Common Name(s): each with dozens of spines. Whiteface Surgeonfish They do not swim, except very weakly at the larval stage. Acanthurus Leucosternon Juvenile and adult Crown-Of-Thorns starfish do not walk on Common Name(s): Powder-Blue their arms, but on a large number of tiny tubes which extend Tang from grooves underneath each arm. They prefer to live on coral in sheltered areas such as lagoons, and in deeper water along Acanthurus Lineatus reef fronts, where there is less disturbance by currents, tides, Common Name(s): Clown weather etc. The Crown-Of-Thorns starfish feeds on coral Surgeonfish polyps. It spreads it's stomach out through it's mouth over a Acanthurus Olivaceus lump of living coral, secreting digestive juices, killing the coral, Common Name(s): Orangethen sucks up the resulting liquids remains. After feeding it Epaulette Surgeonfish moves on leaving a patch of white, or a coral skeleton. The Crown-Of-Thorns starfish usually feed twice a day for several Acanthurus Pyroferus hours Small and juvenile Crown-Of-Thorns starfish Common Name(s): Chocolate Tang feed at night, so they can avoid predators which are more active during daylight.

Acanthaster Ellisii Common Name(s): Crown-Of-Thorns, Step Mother's Pin-Cushion Acanthaster Plancii Common Name(s): Crown-Of-Thorns

ACANTHURUS

Acanthurus Triostegus Common Name(s): Convict Surgeonfish Ctenochaetus Hawaiiensis Common Name(s): Chevron Tang Naso Hexacanthus Common Name(s): Unicorn Tang Naso Lituratus Common Name(s): Lipstick Tang, Naso Tang Naso Lopezi Common Name(s): Elongate Surgeonfish Naso Unicornis Common Name(s): Unicorn Tang Paracanthurus Hepatus Common Name(s): Blue Tang Zebrasoma Desjardinii Common Name(s): Desjardin's Sailfin Tang Zebrasoma Flavescens Common Name(s): Yellow Sailfin Tang

Acanthurus Sohal Zebrasoma Scopas Common Name(s): Common Name(s): Brown Sailfin Red Sea Clown Tang Tang Zebrasoma Veliferum Acanthaster Ellisii Common Name(s): Pacific Sailfin Common Tang Name(s): YellowEye Tang Zebrasoma Xanthurum Common Name(s): Purple Tang

Common Name(s): Surgeonfish, Tang Dose: .8oz(22.5G) Acanthaster Ellisii DC: 11 Onset: Instant ARBACIIDAE Duration: 1D6 Hours Common Name(s): Sea Urchin Symptoms: Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Localized Pain, Dose: .08oz(2.25G) Swelling (Limb) DC: 12 Damage: Shock Onset: 2D6 Rounds Save: Save Vs Shock Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Numbness, Severe Pain, Swelling (Face, Wound) The Surgeonfish is a brightly colored fish with a flat and Damage: Paralyzation (Limb) wide oval shaped body averaging 9" to 1' in length. There are Save: Save Vs Paralyzation almost 75 species of this fish found among coral reefs in most

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CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS Dose: .00015oz(4mg) The sea urchin gets its name from an Old English word for DC: 26 the spiny hedgehog, a land animal similar to the porcupine. Sea Onset: 1D8 Hours urchins live in the low-levels of tide pools, eating algae off hard Duration: 1D4+20 Hours surfaces and filtering other bits of food from the water. Most of Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Difficulty the time this is seaweed, bits of plants and small animals, and Speaking, Numbness, Sweating, Weakness occasionally barnacles or mussels. Sea urchins can move surDamage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10, Cardiac Failure 5D20+20, prisingly fast on their tube feet and spines. The urchins stick to Paralyzation various surfaces with a system that creates suction in the end of Save: Reduce Duration By 70%, Reduce Damage By 30% the foot by ejecting the water out. The Sea Urchins mouth is on the underside of its body. This mouth, often called Aristotle's These small relatives of the Pufferfish have acquired Lantern, is claw-like with 5 teeth-like plates. Urchins their Common Name Triggerfish from the characteruse these teeth to pull, tear and rip off algae from the istic locking and unlocking of their first dorsal fin. rocks. These teeth continue to grow throughout the Normally the dorsal fin is positioned in a flat sea urchin's life. The spines also have the ability to groove on the top of the body. It can however, be transport food to the mouth, serving as both locked in the upright position in order to wedge protection and as a feeding-filter for the the fish into some crevice in which it has taken urchin. refuge. This keeps the fish from being removed Sea urchin's range in size from about 1" to from the crevice and eaten. When they rest at 4" and they come in many different colors, the night, they will find a safe spot in a nook, position most common being purple and pink. They live in themselves and lock in. sheltering holes that they wear into rocks. They Triggers are relatively poor swimmers, most of the have also been observed to make these depressions time they move by undulating wave motions of the in solid steel. Diadema Savignyi dorsal and anal fins, only using the tail fin for emergenThere are two types of venom delivery systems used cies. Triggerfish are normally solitary and territorial, but durby Sea Urchin. Venom within the spines is released after the ing breeding a mated pair makes a nest in pits dug in the sand. spine penetrates the skin. Penetration of the skin by the spines also results in the release of violet-colored fluid that stains the Balistoides Conspicillum Odonus Niger wound and is a good indicator of penetrating injury. In addiCommon Name(s): Clown Common Name(s): Black tion to the spines, there are also seizing organs on the surface Triggerfish Triggerfish of the sea urchin scatted among the spines called Pedicellariea. The Pedicellariea will continue to deliver venom into the skin, Balistes Vetula Odonus Purpureus even if they are broken off of the body of the sea urchin. Common Name(s): Queen Common Name(s): Purple Diadema Savignyi Common Name(s): Black Longspine Urchin, Long-Spined Sea Urchin Echinothrix Calamari Common Name(s): Banded Longspine Urchin, Hatpin Urchin, Longspine Urchin Echinometra Lucunter Common Name(s): Black Boring Sea Urchin

Common Name(s): Globe Urchin, Sphere Urchin, Tuxedo Pincushion Urchin Spatangus Purpureus Common Name(s): Purple Cardiac Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus Droebachiensis Common Name(s): Green Sea Urchin

Common Name(s): Triggerfish

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Triggerfish

CHIRONEX FLECKERI

Common Name(s): Box Jellyfish, Fire Jelly, Marine Stinger, Moreton Bay Stinger Dose: .0026oz(70mg) DC: 30 + 1 Per Tenticle Onset: 10 + 2D10 Rounds Duration: 2D2 Days Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Headache, Minor Swelling (Wound), Nausea /Vomiting, Numbness, Severe Localized Pain (Back, Lungs, Wound), Weakness Damage: Cardiac Failure 6D10+5 3D4 Per Hour, Kidney Failure 3D20+10 3D6 Per Hour, Necrotic Ulcer 1D4 Per Tenticle, Paralyzation, Shock Save: Reduce Duration By 60% Chironex Fleckeri

Eucidaris Tribuloides Common Name(s): Club Urchin, Strongylocentus Mine Urchin, Pencil Urchin, Slate- Franciscanus Pencil Sea Urchin Common Name(s): Giant Red Sea Urchin Lytechinus Vaniegatus Common Name(s): Pincushion Strongylocentus Purpuratus Urchin Common Name(s): Purple Sea Urchin Lytechinus Variegatus Common Name(s): Green Tripneustes Gratilla Pincushion Urchin Common Name(s): Hairy Colored Pincushion Urchin, Priest-Hat Mespilia Globulus

BALISTIDAE

Triggerfish

The Box Jellyfish is found in the coastal waters of northern Australia but not on the Great Barrier Reef. It is the most dangerous jellyfish, and one the deadliest venomous creatures, in the world. It is a large jellyfish, weighing up to 13 pounds and measuring about 7" to 11" across the dome while the tentacles can droop about 6' from the base. It is transparent in the water, and difficult to see, imposing a -10 to any attempts at detecting the creature. This jellyfish has 4 bundles of 2D6+3 tentacles. Each tentacle contains millions of nematocysts which discharge venom

CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS DC: 18 through skin on contact. Contact with a large amount of tentaOnset: 2D6 Rounds cle material over a wide surface area can result in multiple Duration: 3D8 Rounds (+1D4) envenomation. The nematocysts are normally used by Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Cramps, Incoordination, jellyfish to deliver the toxin into their prey. They feed on Localized Pain, Minor Swelling (Sting), Nausea /Vomiting, shrimp and often frequent the same beaches as humans. These Numbness, Weakness animals have a strategy of passive hunting; they simply wait for Damage: Paralyzation, Mild Asphyxiation 1D4 Per Round the prey to bump into their tentacles. Since a struggling shrimp Save: Save Vs Paralyzation, Save Vs Mild Asphyxiation could easily tear the tentacles of a jellyfish, it has developed a (Reduces Duration By 85%) very strong venom to kill prey instantly. The Fire Medusa is a smaller relative of the Box Jellyfish. Cone Shell Snails are sea snails that have This jellyfish is the size of a large apple, and the smooth cone-shaped shells, with colorful motnumber of tentacles on each of the four bundles tling and long, narrow openings in the base. seldom exceeds nine. The tentacles are also Nematocysts are conThey live under rocks, in crevices and coral shorter and finer than those of the Box tained in special cells called stinging Cnidocytes. When not being used, reefs, and along rocky shores and protected Jellyfish. Its venom is the same as Box Jelly a Nematocyst is coiled up like a spring bays in tropical areas. They prey upon venom, but the quantity of venom is much inside the Cnidocyte. One end of the coil is other marine life, immobilizing them lower and the scarring is minimal. attached to the cell reservoir containing with their venom. In the environment This venom works quickly, but venom, while the other end resembles a sting of the cone shells, it has been necesmaximum dosing occurs only when barbed like a harpoon. The Cnidocysts are usually located along the tentacles that surround the mouth, sary for them to develop an effective still-active nematocysts are allowed but can be an any number of tentacles. Upon contact method for immobilizing prey much to remain in the skin and continue with anything, except members of the same quicker than themselves. The snail's injecting venom. Pulling on tentacles species, each stinging cell discharges a harlack of physical agility gives way to a only aggravates them into injecting even poon-sting covered in venom into the skin. highly potent toxin to paralyze its prey. more. If .5 gallon of household vinegar is Each tentacle will be covered with millions of these stinging cells, resulting The Cone Shell Snail detects prey in applied over the effected skin within 10 in a large amount of venom being its environment using a siphon full of receprounds of envenomation, the continued disinjected over a wide area tors. When prey is detected, it extends a procharge of venom will cease. If the victim can boscis out towards the target. Upon contact with receive this treatment quick enough, they will the prey, the proboscis impales a harpoon like suffer only the damage from Necrotic Ulcers, spine into any exposed tissue of the prey and injects the venom. Shock, and Paralyzation (the normal symptoms) and gain +5 to The harpoon is attached to the snail via a sinew line, the prey Fortitude Saving Throw. becomes tethered to the snail, leaving little opportunity to escape. The venom is produced in a long tubular duct that is CHIROPSALMUS QUADRIGATUS several times the length of the snail itself and at one end is Common Name(s): Fire Medusa, Indringa, Sea Wasp attached to a muscular bulb to provide the necessary force of Dose: .016oz(450mg) injection through the spine. Once the prey is fully paralyzed, DC: 25 + 1 Per Tenticle the snail retracts the line and engulfs the prey with the proOnset: 10 + 2D10 Rounds boscis opening. The cone shell can reload additional Duration: 2D2 Days spines for multiple envenomation by retracting the Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, proboscis and grasping another. Most cone shells Headache, Minor Swelling (Wound), prey on worms or on other mollusks, including Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Severe Localized snails of their own kind. There are also about 70 Pain (Back, Lungs, Wound), Weakness species that prey on fish. Damage: Cardiac Failure 6D10+5 3D4 Per Hour, Kidney Failure 3D20+10 3D6 Per Hour, Necrotic Ulcer 1D4 Per Tenticle, Paralyzation, Common Name(s): Cloth Of Conus Shock Gold Geographus Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage Common by 75%), Save Vs Kidney Failure, Reduce Duration Conus Tulipa Name(s): By 60% Common Name(s): Tulip Geographer Cone Conus Marmoreus Cone Shell Shell The Fire Medusa is a smaller relative of the Box Jellyfish. This jellyfish is the size of a large apple, and the number of tentacles There are about 500 Conus Lynceus on each of the four bundles seldom exceeds nine. The tentacles Common Name(s): Korean species of cone shells, all of are also shorter and finer than those of the Box Jellyfish. Its which are venomous. They Cone Shell venom is similar to Box Jelly venom, but the quantity of venom are often named for their locais much lower and the scarring is minimal. tions or style of shell, so a GM Conus Marmoreus Common Name(s): Marbled has free reign to customize a CONUS Cone, Queenland Cone Shell particular Cone Shell Snail, Common Name(s): Cone Shell Snail even to fantasy or sci-fi locaDose: .007oz(200mg) tions. Conus Textile

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CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS DASYATIS

Common Name(s): Stingray Dose: .98oz(27.7G) DC: 25 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D6 Hours (Pain, 1D4 Months) Symptoms: Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Localized Pain, Swelling (Limb) Damage: Bleeding 1D1 Per Round, Shock Save: Save Vs Shock

GLAUCUS

Common Name(s): Lizard Nudibranch Venom: See CHIRONEX FLECKERI, CHIROPSALMUS QUADRIGATUS, or PHYSALIA Nudibranch are snails without shells, like slugs. Unlike land slugs, however, most Nudibranch are spectacularly colored in red, yellow, orange, blue, green or a combination of colors. For most Nudibranch, this flamboyant coloration serves as camouflage and imposes a -8 to normal attempts to detect the creature when crawling on coral, sponges, anemones or other marine animals. For the poisonous species, the bright colors and patterns also warn predators to stay away or suffer the consequences. The lack of shells to protect their soft bodies has forced the Lizard Nudibranch to develop an interesting method of selfprotection. While most are content simply hide, the Lizard Nudibranch eat animals with stinging cells or sponges with glass-like spikes. Lizard Nudibranch store the defensive material in their bodies. When disturbed by other animals, it uses it's recycled sponge spicules or stinging cells against them. These lizard-shaped Nudibranch float far offshore on the water's surface, by means of an air bubble in the stomach, and eat Portuguese Man-Of-Wars, Bluebottles, Box Jellyfish, and other drifting jellyfish relatives. Somehow, Lizard Nudibranch can eat the tentacles without discharging their nematocysts. It also appears that they are able to select the most venomous of nematocysts for their own use. They store these weapons in special sacks, called Cnidosacks, in frilly projections of their body. When disturbed, the cells fire and envenom potential predators.

Stingrays live in warm temperate and tropical zones in a great abundance. Their mouth is positioned on the undersurface of their body, making it easier to find food on or in the sandy bottoms of the ocean. Rays feed on live crustaceans, shellfish and other invertebrates. Instead of teeth, rays have crushing plates that allow them to grind their food. . The disk-like body of the stingray forms an almost perfect rhombus with pointed corners. They have flexible tapering tails that are very often armed with one or more saw-edged, envenomed spines. With only a few exceptions, they don’t have dorsal and pelvic fins. Stingrays prefer warmer waters, so when it gets cold, they will seek warmer waters or dive deeper away from cold currents. Stingrays are not aggressive by nature. They lay on the sea bottom peacefully and are -10 to spot by normal means. They sting only when stepped on or handled. Large Stingrays have enough force to break a wooden boat by lashing their tails. The venom breaks down rapidly in the presence of heat. The best treatment is to immerse the wound in water that is as hot as can be tolerated without producing a burn for 60 to 90 minutes. An injury can be prevented if Glaucus Atlanticus the feet are "shuffled" in the water before stepping Dasyatis Thetidis Common Name(s): Atlantic Lizard Nudibranch down. This will startle a stingray and give it a chance to swim away. Glaucilla Marginata Stingrays are often mistaken for Manta Rays. Manta Rays Common Name(s): Blue Lizard Nudibranch are larger, reaching a much greater body width and have a diamond-shaped disc. Manta Rays lack a stinging barb are thereHAPALOCHLAENA fore relatively harmless. Their head also has odd fins that guide Common Name(s): Blue-Ringed Octopus plankton into the mouth. Dose: .09oz(2.55G) DC: 19 Stingray Dasyatis Americana Onset: 1D8 Hours Common Name(s): Southern Duration: 1D4+20 Hours Dasyatis Thetidis Stingray Symptoms: Dizziness, Numbness, Sweating, Swelling (Bite), Common Name(s): Black Weakness Stingray Dasyatis Brevicaudata Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10, Paralyzation (Limb) Common Name(s): Short Tail Save: Reduce Damage By 80%, Reduce Duration By 50% Dasyatis Violacea Black Stingray, Smooth Common Name(s): Pelagic Stingray This very small octopus, measuring no more than 7.8" Stingray across spread tentacle, can be found from Japan to Australia in Dasyatis Fluviorum shallow tropical water and in tide pools, where it skillfully Potamotrygon Laticeps Common Name(s): River hunts for crabs and other crustaceans. They are given the blue Common Name(s): Stingray ring name because they will display differently shaped rings or Amazonian Freshwater stripes of blue when excited. When not agitated or mating, the Stingray Dasyatis Sabina octopus has a natural camouflage that imposes a -5 to normal Common Name(s): Atlantic attempts to detect the creature. Females initiate reproduction coloring and posturing. The male will then approaches to begin courtship. Courtship con-

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CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS sists of caressing. Shortly thereafter, the female will begin to lay her eggs and carry them in her arms. A bite is nearly painless, but will break the skin in most cases. The venom is not injected, but enters the wound via the saliva. The venom applied by the blue ring octopus is not produced by itself, but by bacteria inhabiting the salivary glands of the octopus. The bacteria is transferred from the mother to the young and even the eggs contain sufficient amounts of venom to be harmful. The venom has two components that can be separated by simple means. The first is most effective on crustaceans but harmless to humans. The other is similar to the toxin present in the Pufferfish and serves to as a defense against predatory animals.

Blue Ring Octopus Hapalochlaena Fasciata Common Name(s): Southern Hapalochlaena Maculosa Blue Stripe Octopus Common Name(s): Southern Blue Ring Octopus Hapalochlaena Lunulata Common Name(s): Great

LOPHOZOZYMUS PICTOR

Common Name(s): Mosaic Crab, Red & White Reef Crab, Thunder Crab Dose: .000000125oz(.0035mg) DC: 29 Onset: 10D30 Minutes Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps (Stomach), Dizziness, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Pain (Back), Weakness Damage: Asphyxiation 5D20+10 Save: Reduce Damage By 20% This is a very common and brightly colored crab in Asian waters, hiding in burrows, under rocks and driftwood. The Mosaic Crabs emerge from their holes at high tide to eat. These crabs deliberately harvest toxins from all kinds of poisonous sea creatures and concentrate them in their bodies. A single Mosaic Crab is no bigger than the palm of one's hand but contains enough potential poison to kill 400 humans. If you are bitten by a snake, you can be treated if the right serum is available, but there are no drugs to treat the Mosaic Crab's deadly concoction of poisons. It also resists getting dislodged from a hole by pushing its arms and body against the walls of its crevice. When caught, it will sometimes play dead by remaining motionless. Some fisherman call this crab Thunder Crab. They believe only a clap of thunder will make one release its grip when it pinches. This is untrue, and in such a situation with many crabs, it is probably more effective to allow the crab contact with the ground and an escape route!

OSTRACIIDAE

Common Name(s): Boxfish, Cowfish, Turretfish Dose: .09oz(2.55G) DC: 22 Onset: !D4 Hours Duration: 2D4 Hours

Symptoms: Pain (Abdominal), Diarrhea, Convulsions /Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Sweating, Weakness Damage: Mild Asphyxiation 3D10+5 Save: Reduce Duration By 40%, Reduce Damage By 40% The Boxfish are so named because of their bony, box-like body structure. They are also sometimes called Cowfish for the little horns that protrude above their eyes. They can grow to be 5" or 6" and tend to be slow swimmers due to tiny, fluttering pectoral and caudal fins. Their skin is situated into three layers. These layers are the outer epidermis is a tough dermal carapace made hard by small bony tubercles located all over the skin. To protect themselves from predators Boxfish secrete a poison mucous that can kill or seriously irritate the fish nearby when put under stress. The poison that is secreted from the Boxfish originates from the epidermal layer and seeps from pores in the epidermis. Boxfish differ from most other toxic fish in that they are susceptible to their own poison.

Acanthostracion Polygonus Common Name(s): Honeycomb Cowfish

Common Name(s): Longhorn Cowfish

Lactoria Fornasini Acanthostracion Quadricornis Common Name(s): Hawaiian Cowfish, Common Name(s): Scrawled Cowfish, Scribbled Thornback Cowfish Cowfish Ostracion Cubicus Common Name(s): Yellow Anoplocapros Lenticularis Common Name(s): Barred Spotted Boxfish, Yellow Spotted Cube Cowfish Arcana Aurita Common Name(s): Shaw's Cowfish Arcana Ornate Common Name(s): Ornate Cowfish Lactoria Cornuta

Ostracion Meleagris Common Name(s): Blue Spotted Boxfish, Hawaiian Boxfish Tetrasomus Gibbosus Common Name(s): Camel Cowfish, Helmet Cowfish, Humpback Turretfish

PHYSALIA

Common Name(s): Bluebottle, Portuguese Man-O-War Dose: .007oz(200mg) DC: 11 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Body Aches (Joints), Headache, Major Swelling (Joints), Minor Swelling (Wound), Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Pain, Weakness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 75% The Bluebottle is not a single animal but a colony of four kinds of highly modified individual polyps. The polyps are dependent on one another for survival. The Bluebottle's body consists of a nitrogen gas-filled bladder-like polyp called a Pneumatophore, and a translucent crested envelope, tinted

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CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS on the structure of the venom organs: the Lionfish, Stonefish pink, blue, or violet, growing 3" to 12" long and as much as 6" And Scorpionfish Proper. Coloration varies wildly in this famiabove the water. This colony moves by means of its crest, which ly, and Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage, using flaps of functions as a sail. Beneath the float are clusters of polyps, from skin and other small growths to blend into the background or which hang tentacles of up to 165' in length. There are three bottom and encouraging plants to grow on their skin. These types of polyp in this cluster: Dactylozooid, Gonozooid, and highly successful techniques imposes a -10 to any attempts at Gastrozooid. These are concerned, respectively, with detecting detecting the fish. The most prominent feature of the and capturing prey, reproduction, and feeding. Scorpionfish is the sharp, pointed spines, found in the fins, Tentacles of the dactylozooids bear the stinging nematoespecially along the dorsal fin and many have small fleshy or cysts common to jellyfish for the paralyzation of small fish and bony protuberances on their face. Shoes have proven to be litother prey. The Gastrozooids attach to an immobilized victim, tle protection from the spines of the Scorpionfish. spread over it, and digest it. The Bluebottle itself Some Scorpionfish species, including the will eat nearly anything that comes in contact Lionfish, have large numbers of eggs that reach with the stinging tentacle polyps. As In Australia, the Aborigines maturity. The eggs stay in the female's body Bluebottles drift down wind, their long tentaperform an ancient ritual dance until they hatch, ensuring that the eggs are cles "fish" continuously through the water. to educate their children. It relates safe. Still, when the hatchlings are Muscles in each tentacle contract and a message which is as important today as it was hundreds of years ago. It starts released into the water, many fall prey to drag prey into range of the digestive out with a pantomime of a man wading in other fish. Several thousand young polyps, which, acting like small the tide pools looking for fish. Suddenly, he must be produced each season so that mouths, consume and digest the steps on something which causes him to scream a sufficient number will survive. The food by secreting a full range of out in pain. It is a clay model of a fish with thirCalifornia Scorpionfish (Scorpaena enzymes that variously break down teen wooden spines protruding from its back. Guttata) and some tropical species also organic prey. The prey consists mostly The fish represented in the dance is a lay eggs. The eggs are embedded in a of small crustaceans, small fish, algae stonefish, a member of the Scorpionfish large, hollow, gelatinous balloon that floats and other members of the surface plankfamily. The dancer writhes on the on the water's surface. ton. ground in apparent agony until Scorpionfish are not to be confused with fish The Bluebottle occurs commonly in the the ritual ends, sadly, in a death song. that are poisonous to eat, or with those fish that tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific discharge toxin directly into the water, such as and Indian oceans, and the northern Atlantic puffers or boxfish. Despite their ability to produce Gulf Stream, although found in warm seas and discharge these toxins, and their sometimes formidable throughout the world. It is sometimes found swarming in appearance, all of the Scorpionfish are edible. groups of thousands. The Bluebottle is eaten by other animals, including the logParascorpaena Mcadamsi Dendrochirus Biocellatus Common Name(s): Mcadam's Common Name(s): Twospot gerhead turtle. The small Bluebottle Fish lives among the tenScorpionfish Turkeyfish tacles of the Bluebottle and feeds on the tentacles, which are constantly regenerated. Clown Anemone Fish and Yellow-Jack Parascorpaena Mossambica Dendrochirus Brachypterus Fish reportedly have a similar relationship and all are nearly Common Name(s): Mozambique Common Name(s): Shortfin immune to the poison from the stinging cells. Scorpionfish Turkeyfish Physalia Utriculus Common Name(s): Bluebottle, Palalia Physalia Physalis Common Name(s): Pololia, Portuguese Man-O-War

SCORPAENIDAE

Dendrochirus Zebra Common Name(s): Zebra Turkeyfish Iracundus Signifer Common Name(s): Decoy Scorpionfish

Common Name(s): Featherfins, Lionfish, Neomerinthe Scorpion Cods, Scorpionfish, Stonefish, Turkeyfish, Amplisquamiceps Zebrafish Common Name(s): Dendrochirus Zebra Orange Scorpionfish Dose: .007oz(200mg) DC: 25 Neomerinthe Folgori Onset: 3D2 Hours Common Name(s): Folger's Duration: 1D6 Months Scorpionfish Symptoms: Cramps, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Severe Localized Pain, Swelling (Limb) Neomerinthe Hemingwayi Common Name(s): Spinycheek Damage: Cardiac Failure 4D30+20, Paralyzation (Limb) Scorpionfish Save: Save Vs Paralyzation, Save Vs Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage By 95%) The Scorpaenidae family is divided into three groups based

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Neosebastes Entaxis Common Name(s): OrangeBanded Scorpionfish

Pontinus Castor Common Name(s): Longsnout Scorpionfish Pontinus Clemensi Common Name(s): Mottled Scorpionfish Pontinus Furcirhinus Common Name(s): Red Scorpionfish Pontinus Longispinis Common Name(s): Longspine Scorpionfish Pontinus Rathbuni Common Name(s): Highfin Scorpionfish Scorpaenodes Scaber Common Name(s): Pygmy Scorpionfish Scorpaenodes Staibi Common Name(s): Yellow-Back Scorpionfish

CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS Lionfish: Unlike most Scorpionfish, which lie still in the sand or on rocks, the Lionfish swims around freely in and around sheltered crevices. The Lionfish can effortlessly hover above the rocks, using their many fins. They even have the rare ability to swim upside down. Lionfish only really get animated when they are hunting. The preferred prey of Lionfish is Silver Sweeper (Pempheris Oualensis) a small fish that travels in massive shoals. The main benefit of a shoal is to confuse predators, as the fish turn, it becomes difficult to single out an individual fish. When a Lionfish approaches a shoal of Silver Sweepers it slowly moves in with its fins, especially the wide pectoral fins extended to their maximum, trying to herd the smaller fish in one direction. Usually there are two or three Lionfish moving in on the shoal together. As the Silver Sweepers back away from the approaching Lionfish, they are pushed into a more restricted space. Eventually, one Silver Sweeper makes a mistake and becomes separated from the group. The nearest Lionfish, if successful, sucks the prey into it's huge mouth as it flares its gills and rushes forwards. Their other hunting strategy is the surprise ambush. While Lionfish are easy to see in open water, their camouflage makes them difficult to spot in the coral reef and imposes a -4 to any attempts at detecting the creature. While hidden on the reef, the Lionfish is always on the look out for a passing meal and any small fish that comes in range is potential prey. Dendrochirus Barberi Common Name(s): Hawaiian Lionfish Inimicus Filamentosus Common Name(s): Two-Stick Stingfish Parapterois Heterurus Common Name(s): Blackfoot Firefish

Scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis Gilchristi Common Name(s): Gilchrist's Scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis Lactomaculata Common Name(s): Whiteblotched Scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis Oxycephalus Common Name(s): Tassled Scorpionfish

Pterois Antennata Common Name(s): Broadbarred Sebastapistes Cyanostigma Firefish Common Name(s): YellowSpotted Scorpionfish Pterois Miles Common Name(s): Devil Sebastapistes Mauritiana Firefish Common Name(s): Spineblotch Scorpionfish Pterois Radiata Common Name(s):Radial Sebastapistes Strongia Firefish Common Name(s): Barchin Scorpionfish Pterois Volitans Common Name(s): Red Lionfish Sebastapistes Tinkhami Common Name(s): Darkspotted Scorpaenopsis Cacopsis Scorpionfish Common Name(s): Jenkin's Scorpionfish Sebastes Fasciatus Common Name(s): Acadian Scorpaenopsis Cirrhosa Redfish Common Name(s): Weedy Stingfish Sebastes Serriceps Common Name(s): Treefish Scorpaenopsis Diabolus Common Name(s): False Sebastapistes Ballieui Stonefish Common Name(s): Spotfin Lionfish Scorpaenopsis Gibbosa Common Name(s): Humpback

Stonefish: Stonefish are considered ugly by even the most kindhearted. The head and body of the stonefish are covered with lumps and fleshy growths and the eyes are set deeply in bony hollows of the head. The large mouth is upturned and partly disguised by a fringe of skin. The skin itself is mottled gray or brown to match nearby stones and imposes a -10 to normal attempts to detect the motionless creature. The stonefish uses its large front fins to scoop out a depression in the sand or mud and lies motionless awaiting small fish and crustaceans to draw near. They also secrete chemicals that encourage plants and urchins to grow on their backs, further adding to the camouflage. Deceived by this convincing disguise, passing prey is swallowed whole as the stonefish makes an energetic lurch forwards. Deadly but not aggressive, Stonefish are by far the most dangerous members of the Scorpionfish family. The combination of immobile existence and remarkable camouflage is the cause of most stonefish stings inflicted on humans, as the fish is brushed against or stepped upon unwittingly. Sebastes Pinniger Common Name(s): Canary Stonefish

Scorpaena Papillosa Common Name(s): Red Rock Cod

Scorpaena Loppei Common Name(s): Cadenat's Stonefish

Sebastes Maliger Common Name(s): Quillback Stonefish

Sebastes Auriculatus Common Name(s): Brown Stonefish

Pontinus Kuhlii Common Name(s): Offshore Stonefish

Sebastes Mystinus Common Name(s): Blue Stonefish

Scorpaena Normani Common Name(s): Norman's Stonefish

Sebastes Paucispinis Common Name(s): Bocaccio

Scorpaenodes Arenai Common Name(s): Messina Stonefish

Sebastes Levis Common Name(s): Cow Cod Scorpaena Angolensis Common Name(s): Angola Stonefish Scorpaena Brasiliensis Common Name(s): Barbfish Sebastes Miniatus Common Name(s): Vermilion Stonefish Sebastes Nigrocinctus Common Name(s): Tiger Stonefish Scorpaena Elongata Common Name(s): Slender Stonefish Neosebastes Pandus Common Name(s): Rough Gurnard Perch Scorpaena Laevis Common Name(s): Senegalese Stonefish

Scorpaena Madurensis Common Name(s): Madeira Stonefish Sebastes Chlorostictus Common Name(s): GreenSpotted Stonefish Pontinus Accraensis Common Name(s): Ghanean Stonefish Sebastes Nebulosus Common Name(s): China Stonefish Sebastes Caurinus Common Name(s): Copper Stonefish Sebastes Flavidus Common Name(s): Yellowtail Stonefish Sebastes Ruberrimus Common Name(s): Yelloweye Stonefish

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CHAPTER 5 - MARINE VENOMS SIGANUS

Common Name(s): Rabbitfish, Spinefoot Dose: .09oz(2.55G) DC: 12 Onset: 1D6 Rounds Duration: 1D8 Hours Symptoms: Severe Localized Pain, Swelling (Limb) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

size from just 3" to almost 2' long. A few species of Pufferfish have spines on their body to make them even less attractive to their enemies. The poisons are produced by bacteria and concentrate in the liver, muscles, skin, and ovaries of the fish. One blowfish contains enough poison to kill 30 people. Puffers are highly territorial, each male and female defending an area from others of the same species and gender. But a male's territory may overlap those of several females, and he mates with all of these. Some attach their eggs against rocks, in others, the male may defend these sites.

Rabbitfish are found predominantly on the reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and may be found in small schools on or near sea grass Arothron Meleagris beds or weedy bottoms, or amongst coral reefs in Common Name(s): Golden Pufferfish, pairs. They average about 11" long, easily recognized Guinea Fowl Pufferfish Canthigaster Punctatissimus by their small, hare-like mouths, large dark eyes, and a peaceful temperament which gives them their name. The dorArothron Nigropunctatus sal fin is continuous and the spines of all fins are venomous and Common Name(s): Black Spotted Pufferfish, Dogfaced protect it from would be predators. The venom is not lethal, but Pufferfish the wounds are extremely painful. All of the species of Rabbitfish are herbivorous and feed Canthigaster Bennetti on algae. Since the 1950's, Japan has Common Name(s): Bennett's Pufferfish

required Sushi chefs who prepare Fugu to be licensed. Preparing Fugu is a tedious ERRAODONTINAE task that requires great skill and precision. As Canthigaster Valentini a result, Fugu is prohibitively expensive for most. Common Name(s): Balloon Fish, Common Name(s): Black Saddle It's not unusual to find a Fugu Gourmet paying Blowfish, Burrfish, Fugu, Globefish, Pufferfish upwards of 100 to 200 dollars. Even so, Nearly 100 people a year die from Fugu poisoning, but neither the risk nor the cost keep it from being immensely popular. It is said Siganus Corallinus "Those who eat Fugu soup are stupid. But those who do not eat Fugu soup are also stupid." Common Name(s): Coral Canthigaster Coronata Of all the species of fish, blowfish are the only ones who can Rabbitfish Common Name(s): Four Barred close their eyes. A Sushi chef once said, "I feel sorry when I kill Fugu because they close their eyes and make a noise Pufferfish that sounds like they are crying." Siganus Guttatus During the Meiji period, Fugu was prohibited in Common Name(s): Golden many areas of Japan. The Tokugawa Shogunate Canthigaster Callisterna completely banned blowfish consumption, Rabbitfish, Golden-Lined Spinefoot Common Name(s): Freckled Sharp Nose but by the mid-1800's it had returned as Pufferfish the government's power over the people waned. Siganus Javus

T

Common Name(s): Streaked Rabbitfish, Java Rabbitfish

Porcupine Fish, Pufferfish, Swellfish Dose: .00005oz(1.4mg) DC: 30 Onset: 1D8 Hours Duration: 1D4+20 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Difficulty Speaking, Numbness, Sweating, Weakness Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10, Cardiac Failure 5D20+20, Paralyzation Save: Reduce Duration By 50% The poisonous Pufferfish is so named because when threatened, it puffs up to about twice its normal size by gulping water. When puffed up, they are almost spherical. In this engorged state, the Pufferfish can swim at only about half its normal speed, but becomes impossibly hard to swallow by most predators. There are almost 100 species of Pufferfish found in sub-tropical and tropical marine waters, including coral reefs, and some live in brackish and fresh water. Pufferfish range in

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Canthigaster Janthinoptera Common Name(s): Honeycomb Pufferfish Canthigaster Leopardus Common Name(s): Leopard Skin Pufferfish Canthigaster Natalensis Common Name(s): Natal Sharp Nosed Pufferfish Canthigaster Rostrata Common Name(s): Pearly Sharp Nosed Pufferfish Canthigaster Punctatissimus Common Name(s): Sharp Nosed Pufferfish Canthigaster Rapaensis Common Name(s): Rapa Sharp Nosed Pufferfish Canthigaster Valentini Common Name(s): Valentine Pufferfish

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS DANGEROUS PLANTS

acquiring a dark brown skin. The stem is about 3' high, with dark green, glossy Plants contain a large number of leaves, deeply divided in palmate manactive chemicals. Some of these have ner and flowers in erect clusters of a dark been found to be extremely useful for blue colors. The shape of the flower is treating various human and animal disspecially designed to attract and utilize eases. However, some plants produce bees, especially the humble bee. chemicals adverse to human The sepals are purple, being spehealth. The onset of these cially attractive to bees, and effects can be sudden or are fancifully shaped, one of take time to develop. them being in the form of a Fortunately for us, hood. The undeveloped among the thousands green fruits, which are in of plants, relatively a tuft in the center of the few cause acute, lifestamens, each form a brown threatening illnesses carpel containing a single when ingested. seed. The diagnosis of plant This is a well known plant to poisonings can be difficult. Abrus Precatorius even amateur assassins. In large Ingestion of many plants proamounts it is used to poison enemy duces symptoms that could easily be water supplies during times of war, and symptoms of a disease. In most cases, hunters use its root to poison spears, the best way to support a diagnosis of arrowheads and trap baits as well. plant poisoning is to confirm the presence of a toxic plant or plant poison, and confirm that the plant or poison has been ingested.

AGROSTEMMA GITHAGO

ABRUS PRECATORIUS

Common Names: Cockle, Corn Cockle, Corn Rose, Crown-Of-The-Field, Purple Cockle Poison: Githagine Dosage: 10-12 Seeds

This plant is slender with alternately placed compound leaves. Each leaf has about 20 pairs of narrow, oblong leaflets, looking like a delicate feather. The rose to purple flowers are crowded at the end of a stalk. Fruits are short, inflated peashaped pods, splitting open when mature to reveal the round, hard-coated, glossy, two-toned seeds. The seeds are scarlet and black at the base, looking a bit like lady bettles. The plant found mostly in the tropics and by warm seashores, mostly among the undergrowth and in hedges.

A well-known corn weed, the tall, slender stem, 2' to 4' high, has a dense coat of white hairs. The narrow, lanceshaped leaves, 4" to 5" in length, are produced in pairs and their stalkless bases meet around the stem. The large solitary flowers have very long stalks which issue from the axils of the leaves. They are 1.5" and 2" broad, with purple petals having pale streaks to the mouth of the tube. Sometimes, smaller flowers are produced in addition, which are entirely female, for the stamens are not developed. The flowers bloom from June to August, and are succeeded by a large, oval capsule, opening by five teeth, and containing about 2 dozen large black seeds.

Common Names: Crab's Eye, Licorice Vine, Love Pea, Precatory Pea, RedBead Vine, Rosary Pea Poison: Abrin Dosage: 4 Seeds

ACONITUM NAPELLUS

Common Names: Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Helmet Flower, Monk's Hood, Mousebane, Wolfbane Poison: Aconitine Dosage: 30-40/7oz(200G) Leaves, .10/1oz(29G) Root The plant is a hardy perennial, with a fleshy, spindle-shaped root, pale colored when young, but subsequently

Ailanthus is a rapidly growing, deciduous tree found in mostly tropical areas. Mature trees can reach 80' or more in height. Ailanthus has smooth stems with pale gray bark, and twigs which are light chestnut brown, especially in the dormant season. Its large compound leaves, 1' to 4' feet in length, are composed of 11 to 25 smaller leaflets and alternate along the stems. Each leaflet has one to several teeth near the base. In late spring, clusters of small, yellowgreen flowers appear near the tips of branches. Seeds are produced on female trees in late summer to early autumn, in flat, twisted, papery structures, which may remain on the trees for long periods of time. The wood of ailanthus is soft, weak, coarse-grained, and creamy white to light brown in color. All parts of the tree, especially the flowers, have a strong, offensive odor like rancid peanuts or cashews. Besides some occasional gas or upset stomach, this plant is not very toxic to people. It is however a fast acting herbicide, very toxic to other plants. In nature the leaves and flowers drop from the plant and decay into the ground. This deposits the poisons from the plant into the soil to deter competition from other plants.

ALLAMANDA CATHARTICA

Common Names: Angel's Trumpet, Brownbud, Buttercup Flower, Golden Trumpet, Yellow Allamanda, Yellow Bell Poison: Cirotine Dosage: 3oz(85G) Bark, 15/4oz (113G) Leaves, 3oz(85G) Sap, 20-35 Seeds

Golden-trumpet is a tropical woody scrambling shrub vine that grows up to 15' tall, most often found growing on riverbanks, large creeks or around open drainage systems. The big yellow funnel-shaped flowers are arranged long mostly at the end of the branches. The leaves are smooth, thick and pointed. The fruits are prickly Allamanda Cathartica capsules, splitting to release AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA winged seeds. Common Names: Stinking Sumac, Tree Of Heaven, Varnishtree AMARYLLIS BELLADONNA Poison: Troente Dosage: 30-40/7oz(200G) Flowers, Common Names: Belladonna Lily, 30-40/7oz(200G) Leaves March Lily, Naked Lady Poison: Belladonna

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Dosage: .5/12oz(341G) Bulb

Amsinckia is a rank, slightly hairy plant, growing from 1' to 7' high. The Large clusters of scented, trumpetthick, somewhat fleshy stem is leafy to shaped pink or white flowers are carried the top, and branching above erect. The on a long purplish-red and green stem. leaves are alternate, delicate and thin, The bulb is typically large, brown and very variable in size and form, rounded and has a moderate sharply toothed, or divided right growth rate. Up to twelve down to the middle into flowers are produced from leaflets as they grow up the the flowering stem. These stem. The flowers are white flowers are 4" long and or yellow and tubular and atypically flare open open from the bottom of about 7". Protruding the plant to the top causfrom each flower is a ing the stem to uncoil. The long rounded group of little fruits are oblong, slenlarge curved anthers. The der, tapering at the end, colanthers are black and shiny ored white or violet. The seeds at first, but split open to reveal masses of sticky white Amaryllis Belladonna are produced in fours and have small hooked spines used to hitchpollen. The inflorescence tends hike on fur or cloth. The whole plant is to face the direction that receives the succulent, the odor rank and slightly aromost sun. Although most flowers are matic, with a bitter and disagreeable pale pink, white and dark pink forms taste. occur.

AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA

ARISAEMA TRIPHYLLUM

grow up to 12" long, giving the Papaw a tropical appearance. The leaves turn yellow and begin to fall in mid-autumn and leaf out again in late spring after the tree has bloomed. The flowers produced are maroon and upside-down and are 2" across. The flowers bloom from spring to early summer. Each flower can produce multiple fruits. Individual fruits are 3" to 6" in length. The larger sizes will appear plump, with 10 to 14 seeds in two rows. The brownish to blackish seeds are shaped like Lima beans. Papaw fruits often occur as clusters of up to nine individual fruits. The ripe fruit is soft and thin skinned.

ATROPA MANDRAGORA

Common Names: Alraun, Brain Thief, Gallows, Herb of Circe, Ladykins, Mandrake, Racoon Berry, Satan's Apple, Wild Lemon Poison: Atropine Dosage: .5/2oz(56G) Root

Mandragora has a large, brown root, somewhat like a parsnip, running 3' or 4' deep into the ground, sometimes single and sometimes divided into two or three branches. Arisaema Triphyllum is Immediately from found scattered throughout the crown of the root various terrains in mountainarise several large, Amelanchier is a deciduous ous regions, but it can dark-green leaves that shrub that grows in dense, vegealmost always be stand erect. They are tative propagated clumps. found near waterfalls sharp pointed at the apex Leaves are simple, round in or where water is runshape, have jagged or ning or splashing. Atropa Mandragora and have a rank odor. The flowers each grow on a separate roottoothed margins, are Three fairly large stalk, about 3" inches high. They are about 1" to 5" long. The leaves radiating out somewhat of the shape and size of a clusters of leaves contain from the top of the primrose, the corolla bell-shaped, cut 8 to 12 small white flowers. stalk are usually the into five spreading segments, of a Flowers may also be borne most noticeable feature whitish color tinged with purple. They from the side or end of a and the flower is often hidare succeeded by a smooth, round fruit, shoot. The flowers are bowlden beneath. The flowers about as large as a small apple, of a deep shaped and have 5 petals. The appear through the spring and Amelanchier Alnifolia yellow color when ripe, full of pulp and fruit is a berry that changes color into the summer. Later in the with a strong, apple-like scent. ranges from green to white, pink, red, summer, the flower is replaced by a black According to the old Anglo-Saxon and finally purple at maturity, mature seed cluster that turns red by autumn. herbal guides, Mandrake is endowed berries appear to have a powdery white with power against demonic possession. coating. A single berry can contain 10 ASIMINA TRILOBA In the ‘Herbarium of Apuleius’ there is a seeds, but more commonly they contain Common Names: Custardapple, Mandrake prescription: 'For witlessness, 1-3 viable seeds. Papaw, Pawpaw that is devil sickness or demoniacal posPoison: Mitinate session, take from the body of this said AMSINCKIA INTERMEDIA Dosage: 1/5oz(142G) Fruit wort mandrake by the weight of three Common Names: Fiddleneck, pennies, administer to drink in warm The Asimina is a narrowly conical Fireweed water as he may find most convenient tree growing from about 12' to around Poison: Intermedine soon he will be healed.' 20'. The dark green, drooping leaves Dosage: 16-18 Seeds Common Names: Juneberry, Sarvis, Saskatoon, Serviceberry Poison: Seride Dosage: 1-3 Flower Buds, 34/1.5oz(42G) Leaves, 10-12 Seeds, 12/2oz(56G) Twigs, 2-5/2oz(56G) Young Shoots

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Common Names: Dragonroot, Indian Turnip, Jack-In-The-Pulpit Poison: Lobline Dosage: .33/7oz(199G) Bulb

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS BAPTISIA TINCTORIA

Common Names: Baptasie, Baptisia, False Indigo, Horseflyweed, Indigoweed, Rattlebush, Wild Indigo Poison: Baptisin Dosage: 1/.5oz(14G) Leaf

fruit of the two plants differs considerably in shape, those of the cole seed being more or less horizontal and hairy, while mustard pods are erect and smooth. The pods are spreading, roundish pods, ribbed and swollen where the seeds are situated, and provided with a very large flattened, sword shaped beak at the end. Each pod contains four to six globular seeds, yellow both on the surface and internally.

Baptisia is a perennial with erect, slender branches bearing alternate grayish-green leaves with three oval leaflets. A long taproot allows Baptisia to survive the challenges of its Baptisia Tinctoria native habitat. A mature plant will COLCHIUM AUTUMNALE reach 3' to 5' feet, with graceful loose clusters of yellow or blue flowers in sumCommon Names: Autumn Crocus, mer. It grows best in dry woods and Michaelmas Flower clearings. Poison: Colicine Prolonged exposure or ingestion of Dosage: 3/3oz(85G) Flowers, the leaves will cause skin and hair to 1/2.5(71G) Bulb, 1/.5oz(14G) Leaf, 14become a rich violet-blue. The color is 20/.5oz(14G) Seeds, .5/2.5oz(71G) Stalk more or less permanent until the skin or hair is naturally replaced. The Colchium Autumnale is a wild flower found in meadows and woodlands. It's a perennial herb in the lily BASSIA HYSSOPIFOLIA family which grows from a solid bulb Common Names: Five-Hooked that can unfortunately be mistaken for a Bassia, Five-Horn, Smother-Weed wild onion. The rapier like leaves grow Poison: Oxalate(Oxalic Acid) about a foot high, and in the early fall Dosage: 1/1oz(28G) Flower, one or two leafless stalks sprout from the 3/.5oz(14G) Leaf bulb; each stalk produces a single whiteto-purplish-pink flower that resembles a Bassia leaves are long and grayish crocus. with soft white hairs. Leaves on very young plants grow in a rosette. Mature CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES plants branch from a main stem. Blue flowers are borne in clusters along the Common Names: Blue Cohosh, Blue ends of branches and bases of leaves. Ginseng, Blueberry Root, Yellow The fruit is five lobed with a hook on Ginseng each lobe. Leaves are blue green, flat and Poison: Cytisine narrow. Dosage: 1-3 Berries, 2oz(56G) Sap

BRASSICA NAPUS

This plant is well known amongst the natives of the thick forests. There are two or sometimes three divided leaves per branch. The lowest and largest branches have three emerging directly from the main stem which divide and bear many irregularly notched or lobed leaflets. Most people who have seen The Brassica is comthis plant might be mon in fields and by road surprised to learn that sides. It is an erect annual, it has only two or three about 1' or more in height, leaves. What appears to with thin, wispy leaves and be many leaves is actually large, yellow, clustering flowers. one large dark blue almost It closely resembles the mustard plant, but is much smaller. The Caulophyllum Thalictroides black stemless, much divided Common Names: Cole Seed, Rapeseed, Wild Corn Kale, Yellow Turnip Poison: Glucosinola Dosage: 12-24/6oz(170G) Leaves, 200-300/16oz(455G) Seeds

leaf and another smaller above that. Sometimes there is a third. The flowers are green, purple and yellow. Blooms first appear in mid spring and continue into late spring. The berries are actually dark blue exposed seeds resembling berries and taste very sweet. A typical plant will spread into a clump 5' in diameter into a handsome bush throughout spring, summer and fall.

CODIAEUM VARIEGATUM

Common Names: Croton Poison: Deoxyin Dosage: 32oz(911G) Bark, 18oz(512G) Sap, 50/64oz(1822G) Leaves, 4/48oz(1366G) Root The Codiaeum Variegatum has attractive, leathery leaves. There are many variations in leaf shape and size with colors ranging from vibrant yellows, oranges, reds to purples. Tiny starshaped insignificant, yellow flowers are produced intermittently throughout Autumn. This plant is found in tropical or subtropical climates growing amongst other shorter shrubs. It also grows well in containers if keep well watered in dry weather.

CYCLAMEN PERSICUM

Common Names: Persian Violet, Sowbread Poison: Cyclamin Dosage: 6oz(170G) Tuber Cyclamen is an unusual plant with dark green, heart-shaped foliage often marked with silver, sometimes toothed with a purplish or green underneath. Has scented, butterfly-like flowers in colors ranging from white to light pink, lavender, hot pink, and hot purple.

CICUTA VIROSA

Common Names: Cowbane, Wasserschierling, Water-Hemlock Poison: Cicutol Dosage: .75oz(21G) Sap Cicuta Virosa is a perennial herb, which grows up to a height of more than 3'. It has a hollow stalk and a thick root stem. This root stem has many small pockets containing a yellow sap with an aroma like celery and a sweet taste like parsnip. The leaves will cluster in 2 and 3's, surrounded by tiny individual leaflets. The tiny white flowers grow in

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS color, branching repeatedly in a forked Mother-in-Law manner, and producing in the forks of Poison: Oxalate the branches a leaf and a single, erect Dosage: .1/1oz(28G) Leaf, flower. The leaves are large and angular, .05/1oz(28G) Root, .3/1oz(28G) Stem CONIUM MACULATUM 4" to 6" long, uneven at the base, Common Names: Bunk, California with a wavy and coarselyThis plant is commonly Fern, Fern, Poison Hemlock, Poison toothed margin, and have the found growing in tropical junParsley, Poison Root, Snake Weed, strong, branching veins gles. The Dieffenbachia has Spotted Hemlock, Spotted Parsley, very plainly developed. an interesting blossom Winter Wode Whistle The upper surface is a that consists of many Poison: Hemlock dark colored grayish small, inconspicuous Dosage: 3-4/.75oz(21G) Flowers, green, smooth, the flowers densely packed Leaves3-4/.75oz(21G), .5/3oz(85G) under surface paler, and on a stalk. Dumbcane can Tuber, 15-20 Seeds, 7/3oz(85G) Stems, when dry, minutely wringet quite tall. Their rarely 25-30/3oz(85G) Young Shoots kled. The flowers are sucbranching stems look like ceeded by large, egg shaped canes and can reach heights of Conium Maculatum can grow to be seed capsules of a green color, over 10'. As they increase in size Datura Innoxia about 6' to 10' tall on long purple stalks about the size of a large walnut and it is quite natural for their large and branches. White flower heads covered with numerous sharp spines, green, white, and yellow blotched leaves resemble those of parsnips, carrots, and hence the common name of the to be lost from the lower portions of the water hemlock(Cicuta Virosa). plant. It exhales a rank, very plant leaving just exposed canes. If the The flowers are arranged in heavy and somewhat nauseplant is ever bruised, it emits a skunkshowy umbels and its leaves ating narcotic odor. This like odor. are extremely nauseating rank odor arises from the when tasted. It has a leaves, especially when DIGITALIS PURPUREA fleshy, white taproot, it they are bruised. The is usually un branched Common Names: Bloody Fingers, flowers are sweet-scentand can be easily distinDead Men's Bells, Fairy Caps, Fairy's ed, but produce a stupor if guished from the root of Glove, Fairy Thimbles, Folk's Glove, their perfumes are breathed water hemlock, which is Foxglove, Gloves of Our Lady, Virgin's for any serious length of made up of several tubers. It Glove, Witches' Gloves time. also has a main stem with char- Conium Maculatum Poison: Digitalis acteristic light red spots and a disDosage: 7-8/.1oz(2G) Flowers, 10DESCURAINIA PINNATA agreeable smell. This plant is found 12/.1oz(2G) Leaves growing in waste ground, disturbed Common Names: Tansy Mustard, sites, pastures, open fields, low ditches, In the first year, the Digitalis sends Tumble Mustard and road sides. Although sometimes up a rosette of leaves, but no stem. In the Poison: Hortus confused with water hemlock, poison second year, one or more flowering Dosage: 30/1oz(28G) Leaves, 45hemlock can be distinguished by its stems are thrown up, which are from 3' 50/1oz(28G) Seeds leaves and its root. The leaf veins of the to 4' high that bear long spikes of drooppoison hemlock run to the tips of the ing flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped Descurainia grows from 4" to 3' tall. teeth. Those of the water hemlock run to and tubular, 1" to 2" inches long, with a The erect weedy stem is freely branched the notches between the teeth. crimson outside. There are long hairs and has many tiny yellow-white flowers. inside and marked with numerous dark Plants are showy when flowering but crimson spots, each surrounded become ragged and inconspicuDATURA INNOXIA with a white border. The ous as seeds mature. Tansy Common Names: Angel's Trumpet, Digitalis Purpurea derives its mustard has a deep taproot jimsonweed, Thorn Apple common names from the and is a hard to kill, widePoison: Hyoscyamine shape of the flowers, spread weedy species Dosage: 20-25/2oz(56G) Seeds, resembling the fingers of that grows on a variety 3/.5oz(14G) Flowers, .3/.3oz(8G) Root, a glove. The leaves are of sites. It grows in 3/.5oz(14G) Leaves often a foot or more long, trash dumps, disturbed contracted at the base into areas, plains, dry hillThe Datura is a large and coarse a long, winged foot stalk, the sides, prairies, open woods, herb branching freely, giving a bushy wings formed by the lower along stream banks, ditches, look to the plant. It attains a height of veins running down into it road sides, or on other disabout 3', its spreading branches covering turbed, open sites where mineral Digitalis Purpurea some distance. Needing little soil, an area almost as broad. On rich soil it it is found often in the crevices of granite soil has been exposed. may attain a height of even 6'. The root is walls, as well as in dry hilly pastures, very long, thick and whitish, giving off rocky places and by road sides. DIEFFENBACHIA BAUSEI many fibers. The stem is stout, erect and leafy, smooth, a pale yellowish green in Common Names: Dumbcane, clustering umbels at the end of each branching stem during the summer.

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS DIRCA PALUSTRIS

Common Names: Leatherwood, Moosewood, Wicopy Poison: Thymela Dosage: 1oz(28G) Bark Dirca Palustris is a freely branching round woody shrub growing 3' to 6' tall with parchment-like bark. It has simple, light green deciduous leaves with an oval shape. In early spring the shrub grows pale yellow flowers clustered in 3 or 4's. The most common locations for the plant are forests or rich gardens.

ECHIUM VULGARE

Common Names: Blueweed, Viper's Bugloss Poison: Pyrrolizidine Dosage: 1/1oz(28G) Spine This is an erect plant about 2' in height, with multiple branches arising from the root crown. The leaves are very hairy, becoming smaller towards the tip of the stems. Flower color varies from white to purple to blue. This plant is a continuous bloomer all summer. This plant is best viewed and not touched. The sharp spines, which cover the plant, are a powerful deterrent and become lodged in the skin much like those of a cactus. This weed was once only found along road sides and meadows, but is now becoming common in many urban areas, growing on walls, old quarries and in gravel pits.

EQUISETUM PALUSTRE

Common Names: Marsh Horsetail, Scouring Rush Poison: Palustrine Dosage: 25-27/15oz(427G) Leaves, 1215/15oz(427G) Stems

covered with lots of tiny spores. These cones are unlike those produced by conifers, because the Horsetail cones produce spores instead of seeds. It can be found in wet meadows, at the side of streams, and other wet areas.

Common Names: Leafy Spurge, Wolf's-Milk Poison: Oxynenol Dosage: 3oz(85G) Sap

Euphorbia Esula is an erect, hairless perennial herb, generally 1' to 10' tall, forming dense clumps of tough, woody ERYSIMUM CHEIRANTHOIDES stems from a persistent and spreading Common Names: Treacle Mustard, root system on which numerous shoot Wormseed, Worm Seed Mustard, Worm buds form. All parts of the plant contain Seed Wallflower a milky sap. The alternate leaves are narPoison: Lucosinolate row, elongate and long with a narrow Dosage: 10-12/2oz(56G) Seeds base attached directly to the stem. The terminal, somewhat flattened, flower Erysimum rises up with a hard cluster is surrounded by a whorl of small round stalk, about a foot high, parted narrow leaves at its base. Each of into some branches, having the flowering stems of the clusdivers,(soft long and narrow ter bears several pairs of small, green leaves, but not cut into broadly rounded, pointed, the edges) that broadest yellowish-green leaves that towards the end somemarkedly decrease in size what round and pointtowards the tip where ed. The flowers are the tiny flowers are white and grow at the borne. Simpler flower clusends of the branches in a ters also commonly arise spike-fashion, one above from the buds of the upper another. These flowers leaves, giving the plant a bushy become round pouches, partappearance. The minute seeds ed in the middle with a furrow, Euphorbia Esula tend to be mottled with brown and having one blackish brown seed on have a yellowish fleshy outgrowth. either side. This plant has a somewhat Leafy spurge is found on agricultursharp taste, smelling and tasting of garal lands such as grain fields and pastures lic. as well as along road sides, in meadows and disturbed places, as well as in native EUPHORBIA CYPARISSIAS prairies, savannahs and open woodCommon Names: Cypress Spurge, lands. This is a highly toxic plant. Simply Graveyard Spurge coming into contact with the sap will Poison: Ingenol cause heart Failure and death. Dosage: 9oz(256G) Sap

Euphorbia Cyparissias is an erect, branching, perennial which typically grows to 1' tall and can rapidly spread to form a bushy ground cover. Numerous tiny flowers appear in umbellike clusters in spring. Flowers Equisetum Palustre is lack petals and primarily usually between 1' and 5' consist of showy lime-yelhigh. It has many branches, low fingers which age to bunched together in little red. Narrow, bluishwhorls. There are little green, linear leaves green teeth with white grow to 1" long. Plant tips, found circling the foliage superficially stem where the branches resembles that of a tiny grow. Horsetails have holspruce or cypress tree, hence low, jointed stems, which are the common name. They are clothed in places by a short coloften found in swamps and low Echium Vulgare lar-like sheath. In some wet lands. Horsetails, the top of the plant carries a little cone, covered with close-fitting EUPHORBIA ESULA scales. The underside of each scale is

EUPHORBIA HELIOSCOPIA

Common Names: Sun Spurge, Wart Spurge Poison: Xyphorbol Dosage: 3oz(85G) Sap Euphorbia Helioscopia is a somewhat rare weed of pastures, hayfields, and other small grains. The stems are stout, growing prostrate along the ground with tips ascending. Stems are distinctly red-tinged and radiate outward from a central point. They may be sparsely hairy, especially in the upper portions. The leaves of the upper stem appear whorled but usually occur in groups of 2 or occasionally 3. Leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem and are widest at the apex and taper to the base. The flowers are inconspicuous,

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS light green to pale yellow in color. When seeding it produces a very distinctive 3parted capsule that contains a single, dark brown seed. The distinctive red stems, leaves with finely toothed leaf apexes, and milky sap are all characteristics that help in the identification of sun spurge.

EUPHORBIA LACTEA

Common Names: Brain Plant, Candelabra-Cactus, Dragon Bones, Dragon Tree, Elkhorn, White Ghost Poison: Kerato Dosage: 3oz(85G) Sap Euphorbia Lactea is a milky white cactus-like plant with 3 or 4 angled branches that are deeply scalloped and specked with black spines native to the arid parts of India. It is used medicinally in India as a hot jam to treat rheumatism. All parts contain the poisonous milky sap.

are purplish brown and are 1-2' tall on average, but can reach 3' in a warm climate. The thorns are sharp pointed and are half an inch long on average. The oval leaves are 1-3" long, few in number, and are found mostly at the growing ends. The leaves are born in small umbels and have showy, oval and bright red bracts. The small flowers are produced in clusters of 2-8 at the tips of green flower stem about 1" long.

EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI

Common Names: Pencil Plant, Pencil Tree Poison: Tengenol Dosage: 3oz(85G) Sap

Common Names: Fair-Maids-OfFebruary, Milk Flowers, Snowdrop, Snow White Poison: Eycorine Dosage: 3/3oz(85G) Bulbs This dainty plant is one of the earliest blooming bulbs, often seen pushing up through the snow to bloom. The white, drooping, globular or bell-shaped 1" flowers have a dab of green on each petal. The green markings on the outside of the petals are found only on the tips. They are however variable, and can be yellow or absent in some forms. The plant produces clumps of slender, dark green leaves from 6" to 12" high. The narrow strap-like foliage is linear and similar to a mini trumpet daffodil.

Euphorbia Tirucalli grows with single or multiple trunks which GINKGO BILOBA support a tangle of light green, pencil thick, succuCommon Names: Duck Feet Tree, lent branches with little Ginkgo, Maidenhair, Maidenhair Tree sign of a leaf. Pencil tree Poison: Locamide can reach a height of 20' to Dosage: 30-40/7oz(200G) Flowers, 30' with a 6' to 10' spread. 30-40/7oz (200G) Leaves, 12-15/14oz The main trunk and branches (398G) Mature Fruit, 200-300/16oz are woody and brownish, but (455G) Seeds, 10-20/7oz(200G) Stems the younger branches are green Euphorbia Tirucalli and cylindrical, looking like so A Ginkgo tree can reach about 100' EUPHORBIA LATHYRIS many pencils. The leaves are tiny and are tall. Some trees are very wide spreading, Common Names: Black Purslane, shed early. What is usually called the others are narrow. Young trees have a Caper Spurge, Eye-Bright, Flux-Weed, flower is really a group of petal-like central trunk, pyramidal in shape, with Garden Spurge, Milk Purslane leaves. The true flowers, which are cenregular, lateral, ascending, asymmetrical Poison: Voxyin tered within these leaves, are inconspicbranching and open growth. Older trees Dosage: 1-2/3oz(85G) Seeds uous. have an oval to upright spreading growth and sometimes irregular branching and Euphorbia Lathyris has a deeplytremendous sized limbs and trunk. EUONYMUS ATROPURPUREUS penetrating taproot, and may grow to a When about 100 years old its canopy height of 3' or more. The main stem is Common Names: Burningbush, begins to widen. The male tree usually stout but hollow, growing vertically. Strawberry Bush, Wahoo has a slim column form and is slightly There are four rows of dark green, narPoison: Evomonoside longer, the female tree has a wider crown row, pointed leaves arranged in a cruciDosage: 3oz(85G) Bark, 2-3/1oz(28G) and a more spread out form. The Ginkgo form pattern up the stem. Side branches Seed-Capsules has long and short branches growing at may also develop up the stem in the nearly right angles. A short branch may same manner, giving the plant an archiThis shrub is a deciduous shrub with become a long branch and the tip of a tectural appearance. The plant produces tough white wood, 4' to 6' high. Leaves long branch may change into a one flower that develops into a threeare medium green and up to 3". short branch. That's why older seeded fruit that resembles a caper. It The greenish-purple flowers trees may have a more irregucan be found in nearly any temperate are a third of an inch in lar form. The buds are forests. diameter and have 5 mounded with distinct petals, which is unusual form and leaf scars. The for Euonymus (usually EUPHORBIA MILII leaves grow alternate on f o u r p e t a l e d ) . Common Names: Crown-Of-Thorns, the long branches during Throughout autumn Dwarf Apache spring. On the ends of the hard scarlet seed capPoison: Diterpinol short, lateral shoots they sules open to reveal purple Dosage: 3oz(85G) Sap grow very slowly in clusters insides and bright orange and produce a long shoot with seeds. A Euphorbia Milii is a low-growing scattered leaves after a number Ginkgo Biloba evergreen shrub with very thorny of years. The short shoots also proG ALANTHUS N IVALIS grooved stems and branches. The stems

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS and quite often form visible Root. The duce the seeds and pollen. The stems are Weed, Yellow Top tiny plants root very readily when they tan, light brown or gray, relatively Poison: Saponin come in contact with soil. The plant smooth and are somewhat reflective in Dosage: 2-4/1oz(28G) Leaves sometimes flowers on top with dull pink the winter sun. Some trees blossoms. tend to have branches crossThis is an ugly plant that is ing the trunk. The fruit shrubby or woody only at the looks like somewhat like base. The stems are branchKALMIA POLIFOLIA large cherries. It takes ing, with linear leaves. Common Names: Bog-Laurel, Bog about 20-35 years There are several heads, Rosemary before they appear for usually in clusters at the Poison: Gyrienide the first time in spring. ends of branches. A given Dosage: 10-11/.5oz(14G) Leaves, as the fruit ripens it head will have no more .5/1oz(28G) Stem becomes yellowish, and than 3 to 8 tiny flowers. The plum like, consisting of a flowers are yellow and usually Found along bogs and acidic lake large nut the size of an ragged. This plant often forms shores, this shrub usually grows 3'-5' tall almond with a fleshy outer Clecoma Hederacea dense stands especially in overand spreads by rooting branches. The layer. The seed has a silvery grazed grasslands. leaves are lance-shaped, dark green and shine. The ripened fleshy seed coat when leathery above dense, short, white hairs falling on the ground and decaying has HELENIUM AUTUMNALE below. The flowers grow in loose clusters an odor like rancid butter. at branch tips, rose-pink and have a Common Names: Dogtooth Daisy, saucer-like shape. Each tip is tucked into Helen's Flower, Rotgold, Sneezeweed GLYCERIA GRANDIS small pouch in the petal and held under Poison: Helenalin tension(like a catapult). Bog-laurel is a Dosage: 30-35/4.5oz(128G) Leaves, Common Names: Manna Grass, short evergreen shrub that prefers sunny 10-12/5.5oz(156G) Stems Manna Reed bogs. The showy pink flowers are saucerPoison: Telouine shaped and bloom in clusters in May and Helenium Autumnale is a tall longDosage: 12-15/1oz(28G) Leaves, 15June. Like bog-rosemary, the leaves of flowering perennial whose blooms 17/1oz(28G) Stems bog-laurel are evergreen and leathappear in late summer to ery with enrolled margins and are early autumn in cooler cliGlyceria Grandis is a tall grass with dark green above and white mates. The yellow-green usually solitary erect stems growing to a beneath. The easiest way to disk at the center of the height of about 3'. The leaf blades are distinguish between nonflowers is a distinvery long and thin, with oval spikelet flowering individuals of guishing mark for about an inch long. It also has 3-8 fleshbog rosemary and bog lauSneezeweed. On all colored flowers. The seeds of this plant rel is in the arrangement of Sneezeweeds, the yelresemble wheat. leaves on the branches. low ray petals have Kalmia Polifolia has alternate three lobes. These distinGLECHOMA HEDERACEA leaves while bog-laurel has guish them from blackCommon Names: Creeping Charlie, opposite leaves. eyed susan and other yellow Gill-Over-The-Ground, Ground Ivy, Kalmia Polifolia coneflowers. Along streams, Lamiaceae Mint around ponds and lakes, roadside ditchKOCHIA SCOPARIA Poison: Baecria es, wet meadows, prairies and low Dosage: 2/1oz(28G) Leaves, 1Common Names: Belvedere, woods. Despite the name Sneezeweed, 2/3oz(85G) Stems Summer-Cypress Heleniums are not generally regarded as Poison: Malacia a significant problem unless eaten. Glechoma Hederacea is creeping Dosage: 3-5/Flowers .5oz(14G), 3ground cover related to the mint family, 5/.5oz(14G) Leaves, 12-15 Seeds KALANCHOE DAIGREMONTIANA making it a virulent weed that can grow abundantly in uncultivated damp or Kochia is an annual plant that reproCommon Names: Devil's-Backbone, shaded ground around houses and garduces from seeds and has a very deep Mother Of Thousands den areas. Acting as a vine it moves out taproot. The erect, much-branched Poison: Ontianin from underneath trees and shrubs and stems are 3' to 7' long, smooth below but Dosage: 10-11/.5oz(14G) Leaves, creeps across the grass area rooting from usually hairy above. The alternate, sim.5/1oz(28G) Stem the nodes as it travels. While it does have ple leaves are 1" to 2" long with hairy many tiny violet flowers, one of the betmargins. The small green flowers lack Kalanchoe grows as a single tall ter identification features is the rare scalpetals and are found in clusters in the stem with no branches about 2' to 3' tall, loped edge of the round leaves. upper leaves and in terminal spikes. The with opposite pairs of fleshy, triangular, brown flattened seeds are about 1/16" tooth-edged, maroon or purple flecked long and grooved on each side. Kochia is green leaves. The tiny leaves develop into GUTIERREZIA SAROTHRAE common in fields, pastures, rangelands, a tiny plant resembling the parent plant. Common Names: Broomweed, Broom waste places, and along road sides. These tiny plants grow between the teeth Snakeweed, Matchweed, Turpentine-

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Summer-cypress is most often found in open, unshaded areas on disturbed sites.

Poison: Antirrinoside Dosage: 3/.5oz(14G) Leaves

LABURNUM ANAGYROIDES

Linaria has a direct stem that grows up to 5' high. Leaves are located on a stem densely bunched on the top. The flowers are light yellow outside and are orange inside. There is a direct spur below. Flowering takes place in summer. The fruits ripen in late fall. The yellow and orange of this plant are a common sight in vacant lots, along road sides, and occasionally in mountain meadows. Linaria Vulgaris is considered a noxious weed, one which is non-native and crowds out native species.

Common Names: Golden-Chain, Goldregen Poison: Cyrotine Dosage: 4oz(113G) Bark, 5-7/.8(22G) Leaves, 10-15 Seeds This tree grows limbs will produce dark green leaves and long chains of yellow flowers, along with clumps of orange flowers on twiggy branches, and fleshycolored flowers on other longer branches. The seeds are borne in long, chain clusters of individual seed pods. This short tree is found in woods and open clearings.

LACTUCA SCARIOLA

Common Names: Prickly Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Wild Opium Poison: Lactine Dosage: 4-8/1oz(28G) Shoots This is a bright-green plant, from 2' to 7' high, covered with a whitish bloom. It has an erect, rigid stem sometimes smooth throughout but at times hairy at the base, with numerous clasping, oblong lance-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins and spiny bristles along the under side of the rib. The lower leaves are at times 10" long and 3" wide, but the upper ones are much smaller. The pale yellow flowers, which appear in the early autumn, occur in very numerous heads. They have the feathery appearance of a ripe dandelion bloom, arranged in open clusters, each head consisting of 6 to 12 flowers.

LATHYRUS SATIVUS

Common Names: Chickling Pea, Chickling Vetch, Grass Pea Poison: Bakantin Dosage: 16lbs(7.25KG) Mature Peas Sky blue flowers are borne numerously on a bushy type of crawling vine that grows 2' to 3' tall. It grows easily in heat as well as along coastal beaches. In late spring the flowers produce 1 to 2 pea pods containing 8 to 10 peas. The peas and pods are quite delicious.

LINARIA VULGARIS

Common Names: Butter And Eggs, Wild Snapdragon, Yellow Toadflax

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LOBELIA SIPHILITICA

Common Names: Blue Cardinal flower, Great Blue Lobelia Poison: Lobeline Dosage: 3/.5oz(14G) Leaves

Dosage: 1oz(28G) Sap This stout lupine is rare, but can be found in bogs. The leaves are composed of several individual leaflets joined at a central point. This arrangement is called a palmate(resembling the outstretched fingers of the hand). This leaf can be as big as a dinner plate. Only after the flowers have died do the Sap become toxic.

MACLURA POMIFERA

Common Names: Bodock, Bois D’Arc, Bow-Wood, Hedge Osage, Horse-Apple, Osage Apple, Osage Orange, Wild Orange, Yellow Wood Poison: Ukonine Dosage: .25oz(7G) Sap

The leaves of the Maclura are simple, alternate, deciduous and oval. They have a long pointed apex and exude the toxic milky sap when cut. It This plant can be branches are gray, grow found growing in marshes in a zigzag, armed with and wet forests. The spines, and with raised leaves can reach 4" in leaf scars and sunken length and have a buds. The distinctive bark toothed edge. The flowers is orange-brown and ridged, are irregular in shape and matching it's flowers in color. are a striking shade of blue. The fruit is a large ball of puffy Blooms first appear in mid summer and continue into early Maclura Pomifera seeds that resemble broccoli or "green brains". fall. The flowers are large and have stripes on the tube portion.

LONICERA XYLOSTEUM

Common Names: Emerald Mound Honeysuckle, Fly Honeysuckle, Fly Woodbine Poison: Frohnide Dosage: 2/.25oz(14G) Mature Berries

MANIHOT ESCULENTA

Common Names: Cassava Plant, Manioc, Tapioca, Tapioca Plant Poison: Cyanide (Organic) Dosage: .05/1oz(29G) Root

Cassava is a 5' to 9' tall perennial with thin stems that hold large, longstemmed leaves. The tall stem of the Cassava divides, near to the ground, into multiple stems. The foliage is not very dense. The roots can be 3' and 9" in diameter. Cassava roots could be compared to a very large potato, but are processed before eaten to remove the poison. A raw Cassava is naturally resistant to insects and is an essential food crop for Africa, Asia, and Manihot Esculenta South America. LUPINUS BURKEI In folk medicine, the Cassava plant Common Names: Burke's Lupine is used for the treatment of abscesses, Poison: Anagyrine

Fly honeysuckle is a loosely branched or straggling shrub. The leaves are oval shaped, thin, and a bright pale green. The flowers grow in drooping pairs from long, slender stalks. They are a lovely greenish-yellow and funnel-shaped. These flowers become pairs of red berries that ripen at the beginning of summer.

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS snakebites, boils, diarrhea, dysentery, flu, hernia, inflammation, conjunctivitis, sores, cancer and tumors. The root of Cassava are made into a poultice and applied directly to the skin to alleviate sores. The leaf, root, and flour obtained from the plant can also be used in a wash that is applied to the skin.

MENISPERMUM CANADENSE

Common Names: Moonseed, Yellow Pirila, Yellow Sasparilla Poison: Acutumine Dosage: 3-6 Berries Canadense is a woody twining vine that grows to up 12' long. It has large broad leaves are 8" and have a dark redbrown color that becomes green at the tips. Throughout summer and autumn the vine produces dozens of small, numerous, greenish, flowerlets. At the end of autumn these flowers produce little grape-like fruit in clusters, bluish black with a crescent moon-shaped pit. This plant is usually found at the margins of openings in forests, often near streams. The plant and fruit loosely resemble grapes, and are often eaten by travelers.

(14G) Leaf, 1/.25oz(14G) Stem, 34/.25oz(14G) Young Shoots This fast growing evergreen shrub can reach up to 20' tall. It forms a rounded mound to about 10' wide. It is a tough plant with daffodil-like summertime flowers in white, red, pink, salmon and light yellow. Leaves range from about 4" to 10" long, depending on variety and are a bright green. Oleander is found growing in dry, warm areas with rich soil, but will grow in warm humid climates.

NICOTIANA TABACUM

called "Age of Snuff." Tobacco from North Carolina was used primarily for snuff and pipe smoking. In the 1840's, Spanish cigarettes made with weaker tobacco for women had become popular with the French, and cigarettes caught on in New York as well. By the 1950’s, 1 of 2 adults smoked cigarettes.

NUX VOMICA

Common Names: Poison Nut, Quaker Buttons Poison: Strychnine Dosage: 2-4 Seeds

Nux Vomica is a medium-sized tree with a short, crooked, thick trunk. The wood is white hard, close grained and the root very bitter. Branches are irregular, being covered with a smooth ash-colored bark. Young shoots are a deep green, shiny with opposite, short stalked, oval, shiny, smooth Nicotiana leaves are large leaves about 4" long and 3" and simple, with hundreds of wide. It's flowers are small, sticky hairs. They grow green-white, funnel shape, from a fleshy tropical blooming in the cold seastalk. In late summer it son and having a disproduces large, soft, agreeable smell. Fruit paddle-shaped flowers. about the size of a large The upward-facing flowapple with a smooth hard ers come in various shades rind or shell which when ripe of pink and are gathered NARCISSUS POETICUS is an orange color, filled with a more tightly than in many Common Names: Narcissus, soft white jelly-like pulp conspecies at the top of the stem. In Pheasant's Eye, Poet's Narcissus Nux Vomica taining five seeds covered with a soft mid-autumn it produces a capsule Poison: Nycoride woolly-like substance, white and horny with dozens of minute seeds. Dosage: 1/3oz(85G) Bulb, 3internally. The seeds have the shape of Originally, Native Americans in the 4/1oz(28G) Flowers, 3-4/1.5oz(42G) flattened disks densely covered with eastern United States grew Nicotiana Leaves, 3oz(85G) Pollen satiny hairs. They are very hard, with no Rustica, which was the forerunodor but a very bitter taste. ner of Tobacco introduced in A narcissus is a type of The muscular contractions caused England and Portugal. daffodil that rises to 15" to by strychnine produce characteristic Tobacco is believed to be 17" tall on a light, fleshy contortions of the body, arched backfirst used by the natives for stem and leaves that wards so that only the heels and the top medicinal purposes by grow from the bulb. It of the head touch the ground, and of the shamans or medicine features a flower with face, a fixed grin known as the risus sarmen. In the early use of white petals and a donicus. the plant the leaves were small, golden yellow cup ground up or grated and rimmed with red. This cup either snorted through the OXYTROPIS SERICEA makes it unique from many nose or placed between the lip other flowers and very attracCommon Names: Locoweed, Silky tive to the eye. The flowers are Nicotiana Tabacum and gums and sucked. The use of Crazyweed, White Locoweed tobacco was performed by men and spicy and have a cloying fragrance. The Poison: Locamine women as a way to relax after a meal or perfume of this flower is potent stuff, Dosage: 3/.2oz(5G)Flowers, as a medicinal agent for headaches. It constant exposure will cause lighthead2/.2oz(5G) Leaves, 5-7 Pods, 25-35 was not until later that it was smoked. edness and will eventually induce sleep. Seeds Nicotiana Tabacam, or Smoking Tobacco, was introduced to the Spanish Oxytropis Sericea is a native, perenNERIUM OLEANDER by Native Mexican and South nial that grows from 6" to 12" tall. Its Common Names: Carnival, Oleander Americans. dark green leaves are 1" to 8" long. One Poison: Oleandrin The early 18th Century was the soplant may have many flowering stalks, Dosage: .5/.25oz(14G) Flower, 1/.25oz Common Names: Cavendish, Cheroot, Cigar, Cigarette, Fag, Negro Head, Quid, Segar, Snuff, Stogy, Tobacco Poison: Nicotine Dosage: .3/1.5oz(42G) Leaf, 12/.5oz(14G) Stems

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS each with 6 to 27 flowers the produce many legume-like seeds in the fall. These legumes are erect and oblong, having a dry brown color speckled with black.

PAPAVER RHOEAS

Common Names: Corn Poppy, Field Poppy, Shirley Poppy Poison: Opium Dosage: .2oz(5G) Sap Papaver Rhoeas are often found on arable land, road sides, gravel pits and waste places. The corn poppy produces large red flowers The stalks are distinctive because of the coarse, spreading hairs. The leaves are stalkless with coarsely toothed lobes. The large solitary poppy-like flowers with bright red petals are produced during the summer. The seed capsule is hairless and more or less globular, often with a whitish bloom.

PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM

Common Names: Herb Of Joy, Mawseed, Mohn, Opium Poppy, White Poppy Poison: Opium Dosage: 2oz(56G) Sap

venously "mainlining". Such injections, often carried out with crude and unsterile implements, and can contribute to the risk of infectious disease among addicts. Assassins are often aware if a target is an addict and will use it to their advantage.

PHYSALIS PERUVIANA

Common Names: Goldenberry, Golden Husk, Groundcherry, Strawberry Tomato, Winter Cherry Poison: Oranine Dosage: 2-4 Berries

PRUNUS PENSYLVANICA

Common Names: Bird Cherry, Fire Cherry, Pigeon Cherry, Pin Cherry, Wild Red Cherry Poison: Prunasin Dosage: 3-4/.5oz(14G) Leaves, 1 Stone(Crushed)

This soft-wooded plant usually reaches 2' to 3' in height but occasionally may attain 6'. It Prunus Pensylvanica is has ribbed, often purplish, a colonizer of disturbed spreading branches, and areas, having finely nearly opposite, velvety, toothed alternate leaves, heart-shaped, pointed, oval and elongated with randomly-toothed a pointed tip. The bark leaves and bell-shaped, on the trunk is reddish nodding yellow flowers to dark brown with diswith 5 dark purple-brown tinctive horizontal pinkish spots in the throat, and markings. White five-petaled cupped by purplish-green, flowers on long stalks open in hairy, 5-pointed petals. After the Prunus Pensylvanica early summer, followed by ediflower falls the stem forms a strawble red berries later in the sumcolored husk much larger than the fruit it mer. encloses. The berry is smooth, glossy, orange-yellow with a juicy pulp containPRUNUS PERSICA ing numerous very small yellowish Common Names: Momo, Peach, seeds. When fully ripe, the fruit is sweet Pecher but with a pleasing grape-like tang, but Poison: Cyanide The husk is bitter and inedible. Dosage: 50-70 Stones

The Papaver Somniferum is an annual herb that 3' to 5' tall with wide many-petaled flowers. This plant produces copious amounts of a viscous sap. Opium poppy has been cultivated for several thousand years and many cultivations have resulted, differing in flower color, opium production, color of seeds, oil content of seeds, and cultural requirePHYTOLACCA ERICANA ments. Many variants are named, the best known are the "White Poppy" and Common Names: Poke, Pokeweed, the "Black Poppy", named for color of Pokeberry, Inkberry, Pigeonberry seed. "White Poppy" has white to silveryPoison: Phytolagen gray flowers, white seeds, and the capDosage: 30-35 Berries, 28sule is somewhat flattened both at top 30/8oz(227G) Leaves, 1/3oz(85G) Root, and bottom. "Black Poppy" usually has 36-40/8oz(227G) Stems, 36violet flowers, with seeds being a slate 40/8oz(227G) Young Shoots color, and the seed capsule is smaller and more globular. Phytolacca Ericana is a The fluids of this plant large, smooth, branching herb cause a euphoric calmness that grows from a large, in small amounts and are perennial root, with green, highly addictive. When red, or purple stems. Its opiates are cheap, leaves are alternate and addicts generally eat simple, its flowers them, sniff them, or white, on a long stem, smoke them. When the more or less erect. In early drug cost is high, the same summer it produces fruit, a effects are achieved by injectdark purple berry composed ing smaller amounts subcutaof 5 to 12 segments fused in a Papaver Somniferum neously "skin-popping" or intraring with a drooping stem. It is

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fairly common, growing in forests or natural areas, in fields, fence rows, clearings, and road sides. Poke is well know among country folk as a tasty cooked green. Tender young shoots are gathered and boiled twice, discarding the first water to rid the leaves of any possible poison.

The Prunus Persica tree is dwarf, slender and willowy, with alternate, slender, pointed leaves. It bears pink, 5petaled flowers on bare branches in late winter and fruits heavily in the spring. The fruit is oval with a protruding knob at the apex, 2.75" long and 2" wide. This fruit is velvety, green with a deep-red blush when ripe. The flesh is mainly white but a rich strawberry-red in the center. It is tender, juicy, and of excellent, sweet-acid flavor having a slight suggestion of bitter-almond and completely safe to eat. The toxic stone-hard pit is free, corrugated and very hard. It is small in proportion to the size of the fruit, looking somewhat like an almond.

PRUNUS VIRGINIANA

Common Names: Red Chokecherry, Wild Cherry Poison: Amygdalin

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Dosage: 50-70 Stones Prunus Virginiana is a thicket-forming erect shrub or small tree. Its stems are numerous and slender, branching from the base or with main branches upright and spreading, producing leaves that open green, then Round red as they mature. Heights vary considerably according to variety and site quality, ranging from 3' to 19'. Perfect white flowers are borne on leafy twigs during the summer, becoming small cherry-like berries. The cherries each contain a small stone. The Chokecherry prefers to grow in sunny fields and open valleys.

PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM

Common Names: Bracken, Brake, Brake Fern, Eagle Fern, Fiddlehead, Hog Brake, Pasture Brake Poison: Cyanide Dosage: 3-4/.5oz(14G) Leaves Bracken is a large, coarse fern that has almost horizontal leaves and can grow 1' to 6' tall(sometimes up to 10'). Unlike more typical broadleaf ferns, this primitive plant lacks true stems. Each leaf arises directly from a horizontal underground stem, and is supported on a rigid leaf stalk. In addition, bracken does not produce flowers or seeds. Instead a continuous line of spore cases form along the underside edge of leaves and are difficult to see. Spore cases produce minute, brown spores. The leaves are least potent at the end of autumn.

property of inflaming and blistering the skin, beggars often use it to keep open sores for sympathy.

RHAMNUS FRANGULA

Common Names: Alder Buckthorn, Fernleaf Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, Tallhedge Buckthorn Poison: Quinone Dosage: 4oz(113G)Bark, 20-23 Berries This erect shrub which grows up to 6m tall, has long upright branches with shiny brown bark and pronounced light tentacles. There are no thorns. The dark green, entirely smooth leaves turn yellow or red in autumn. The small, greenishwhite flowers arise from leaf barrettes in the upper branches and give way to globular berries, green turning to red and finally glossy black. Rhamnus forms dense undergrowth along with alder, spindle tree and guilder rose in damp woodland, hedge rows, marshes and swamps. Rhamnus prefers acidic and light sand or peaty soils.

appear, in loose clusters from the leaf buds. The flowers have five petals, are about 1/8" diameter, are off-white with a yellowish or greenish tinge, and develop into small, round, dry, off-white fruits with a yellowish or greenish tinge. The fruit ripens in late summer through late fall, and at about the same time the leaves turn bright red. It is particularly common around lakes, swamps, and rivers. It will grow perfectly well, however, in a wide variety of other habitats. It's also common along road sides and trails, in areas of waste ground, in thickets, in open woods, and in old fields. It seems to do best in places that are just slightly shaded.

RICINUS COMMUNIS

Common Names: Castor Bean, Mamona, Ricino Poison: Ricin Dosage: 2-4 Seeds

This tropical plant has stalked leaves that consist of eight radiating, pointed leaflets with slightly serrated edges and prominent central veins. Many RHUS RADICANS varieties are green, but some Common Names: Poison are reddish brown. The flowIvy, Poison Oak ers are green and inconPoison: Urushiol spicuous in most variDosage: 1oz(28G)Oil eties, but a few are pigmented pink or red. Poison ivy stems Castor bean fruit is covare woody, brown, and ered with soft spines and smooth, older stems of contain attractively mottled climbing plants develop a seeds, these being distinctive very hairy appearance. They features of the plant. trail along the ground, sending Ricinus Communis If the seed is swallowed without RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS frequent branches both out and chewing, and there is no damage to the up. They may grow upright, in a shrub Common Names: Bulbous Buttercup, seed coat, it will pass harmlessly through form, which can reach 7' in height, or Crowfoot, St Anthony's Turnip, the digestive tract. However, if it is they may grow as a vine, up to 5" in Frogsfoot, Goldcup, Jaunet chewed or crushed and swallowed, the diameter, climbing trees and fences by Poison: Ranunculin toxin will be absorbed by the intestines. means of dense, dark, fibrous, aerial Dosage: .2oz(5G)Sap Root. The alternate leaves have rather ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA long stalks and are palmated The Ranunculus is a comcompound. The leaflets radimon field flower, covering the Common Names: Black Locust, ate outward from a center meadows with yellow flowGreen Locust, Shipmast Locust, Yellow point, like the fingers of the ers in May. This plant has Locust hand. The three leaflets, a bulb-like swelling at Poison: Calodine around 2" to 4" in the base of the stem, Dosage: 1oz(28G)Bark, 2/.2oz (5G) length, may be shiny or roundish and white, Leaves, 3-4 Seed Pods not, are generally wavyflattened a little both at edged or slightly toothed, the top and bottom, someAs Black Locust trees mature, the and are sometimes slightly what resembling a small dark bark becomes marked with deep lobed. The young leaves are turnip. It is however, not a furrows and rounded ridges. The tree green, often with a reddish cast true bulb. After the flowers grows best in rich, moist soils of bottom Rhus Radicans that they lose as they mature. In late have died, the juices become toxic. lands and along streams, but also does spring to early summer, the flowers Because the buttercup juices possess the well on waste land and on drier slopes.

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS The hard, strong wood is very durable when in contact with the soil. It has been used extensively for mine props, railroad ties, and fence posts. This tree can also be found around older farms and houses and is also found along fence rows. Black locust bears abundant white flowers in late spring. Seeds ripen and are dispersed by gravity during the subsequent fall and winter.

Groundsel is a common weed in disturbed ground such as gardens and road sides. The stems are leafy, erect and the yellow leaves are deeply and irregularly toothed. The yellow flowers cluster at the ends of stems and have a white 'puff-ball' seed head like that of dandelion.

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS

SOLANUM DULCAMARA

Common Names: Blood Root, Racoon Root, Red Pucoon, Red Root, Snakebite. Sweet Slumber, Tetterwort Poison: Sanguinarine Dosage: .1oz(2G) Root

Poison: Senecionine Dosage: 30-32/1oz(28G) Leaves

Common Names: Bittersweet, Climbing Nightshade, Deadly Nightshade, Felonwood, Mad Dog Berries, Violet Bloom Poison: Belladonna Dosage: 4-5 Berries, 8-12/1oz(28G) Leaves

SOLANUM TUBEROSUM

Common Names: Potato, White Potato Poison: Belladonna Dosage: 1 Berry, 1-2 Immature Potatoes, 5-8/1oz(28G) Leaves, 1215/3oz(85G) Stems The potato plant has a short life span ranging from 80 to 150 days from sprouting to maturity, with differences existing between varieties. When grown from "seed pieces" several shoots arise from one seed piece. The growth of the stem is erect in early stages, reaching 2' to 5' feet in height. As the plant matures, the stem weakens and lies prostrate, eventually yellowing and dying back at the end of the growing season. Leaving patterns are alternate, with 7-9 oval leaflets and one terminal leaf. Often many smaller secondary leaflets are found growing between the primary leaves. Flower color can range from creamy white to yellow, pink, purple, or striped. The fruit is a berry with seeds in a mucilaginous pulp. The berries are small and green, resembling a small tomato. Seeds are flattened and ovate, with up to 300 seeds per fruit. The potato is in the same family as nightshade, and though the mature potato is edible, the remainder of the plant is as dangerous as a true nightshade.

Sanguinaria is one of the earliest spring flowers. It has a lovely white flower and produces only This perennial climba single leaf and a flowering ing half-bush can be met in scape about 6" high. When various humid places: in the leaf first appears it is riverside thickets of bushwrapped round the es, on wood bogs, along flower bud and is a ditches, on humid grayish-green color covmeadows. Branches are ered with a downy bloom. hollow, and grow up to 9' The leaf is 6" to 10" long. in length. For climbing this After flowering, the leaf plant uses acute, hooked side increases in size, the underside shoots. Leaves are alternate, paler showing prominent veins. Sanguinaria Canadensis lanceolate, with two little blades The white flower is wax-like with at the foots of petiole. Flowers golden stamens. The seed is an oblong are violet with yellow, conically joined narrow pod about 1" long. The rootstock stamens They are assembled in drooped is thick, round and fleshy, slightly curved curled bunches. Flowering takes place SORGHUM HALEPENSE at ends, and contains an orange-red during the summer. The fruits(oval Common Names: Johnsongrass juice, and is about 1" to 4" long, with berries) appear after that. At first the Poison: Prussic Acid orange-red roots. berries are green, and with ripeness Dosage: 25-30/1oz(28G) Leaves, 12become red. The ripe berry's taste at first 13/1oz(28G) Stems is sweet and then becomes bitter. SARCOBATUS VERMICULATUS Solanum Nigrum Johnson grass is a tall, coarse, grass Common Names: Greasewood SOLANUM NIGRUM with stout root. It grows in dense clumps Poison: Xolate or nearly solid stands and can reach 8' in Dosage: 12-15/1oz(28G) Leaves Common Names: Black Nightshade, height. Leaves are smooth, long, and Common Nightshade, Murderweed have a white base. Stems are pink to Greasewood is a tough woody shrub Poison: Belladonna rusty red near the base. Flowers are with sharp spines growing on it's many Dosage: 4-5 Berries large, loosely branched, purbranches and smooth, white bark. Root plish, and hairy. Seeds are can extend 20' to 57' below the soil surBlack Nightshade is a lowreddish-brown. This species face. Leaves of the greasewood are simbranching annual, 1' to 2' tall occurs in crop fields, pasple, linear, alternate, and fleshy. Its flowwith triangular stems that tures, abandoned fields, ers are also like spikes, but larger, resembear oval, thin-textured, forest edges, and along bling small pine cones. After the flowers alternate leaves with stream banks. It thrives have died, they form small, dry pods wavy margins. The tiny in open, disturbed, rich, winged at the middle. The pods contain white flowers, borne in bottom ground, particusmall brown seeds. This plant only grows drooping clusters on laterlarly in cultivated fields. in dry, saline flats. al stalks between the leaves, Johnsongrass is a seriresemble tomato flowers. The ous noxious weed. It is considberry fruit is green when immaSENECIO VULGARIS Solanum Tuberosum ered by scientists to be one of ture, purplish-black when ripe. Common Names: Common Groundsel

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS the ten worst weeds in the World. Several States and Counties in the U.S. have passed ordinances establishing penalties against landowners who knowingly allow Johnsongrass to grow and spread on their property.

SYMPHORICARPOS OCCIDENTALIS Common Names: Snowberry, Snow White Poison: Chelidonine Dosage: 6-8 Berries

The flowers, which bloom late winter, early spring and appearing even before the leaves, are tiny, perfect, illsmelling, greenish-yellow to purplishbrown florets thickly scattered over a rounded, fleshy pod. This pod is hidden within a purplish-brown to greenish-yellow, usually mottled cup of leaves in the shape of a hood. The leaves are large, broadly ovate, often a foot across, with petioles slightly grooved, resembling a cabbage or lettuce.

THERMOPSIS RHOMBIFOLIA

This is an erect shrub, 2' to 4' tall. It grows many slender branches with reddish brown, shredded bark. The leaves are thin and oval, usually 2" to 4" long. The beautiful pink-white flowers are small, dense, and cluster at the branch tips. They have a fat bell-shape and have a hairy inside. The berries are white, waxy, oval to round and hang in drupes, about 5" long with 2 seeds. It often forms thickets from suckers in open woods, thickets, and valley slopes, being most abundant in dry areas.

This wild flower gives showy, bright yellow blooms in late spring. These are often found in large patches, together they present a blaze of yellow on the prairie. Its common name, Golden Bean, is drawn from the dangerous plant's distinctive yellow seed pods.

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE

Common Names: Common Comfrey, Consoude, Consuelda Poison: Heliosupine Dosage: 9-10/1oz(28G) Leaves, 1/2oz(56G) Root

Common Names: Buffalo Pea, Golden Bean, Goldenpea Poison: Thermopsine Dosage: 3-4 Bean, 18-24 Seeds

Common Names: Cow Clover, Meadow Honeysuckle, Purple Clover, Red Clover, Sweet Clover Poison: Isoflavide Dosage: 15lbs(6.8KG) Plant Material

The Symphytum rootstock is black The plant consists of 3 leaflets growoutside, fleshy and whitish inside, and ing from a tiny stem, very low to the contains a glutinous juice. The ground. Leaves are usually angular, hairy stem bears hairy on both surfaces or bristly, oblong leaves. There sometimes without hairs are also tongue-shaped above and hairy beneath. leaves that generally lie Each leaf has a light on the ground. The green or white 'Vwhitish or pale purple shaped' marking. flowers have a tubular Flowers occur in round to corolla resembling the finoval heads usually on ger of a glove and grow in flower stalks less than an forks from Spring until the inch long, but also without first frost. Each flower is folflower stalks. Individual flower Symplocarpus Foetidus lowed by four seeds in a little heads are pink to red in color cup-like fruit. and 1/2" to 1 1/4" in length. The fruit is a tiny green legume. The plant is found growing on rolling hills, forest clearings, SYMPLOCARPUS FOETIDUS pastures and meadows. Common Names: Meadow Cabbage, Skunk Collard, Skunk Cabbage, TRIGLOCHIN MARITIMA Skunkweed, Stinking Poke, Swamp Cabbage Common Names: Bog-Grass, Ocean Poison: Conubide Arrow-Grass Dosage: 5-6/1oz(28G) Leaves, 1/2oz Poison: Taxiphillin (56G) Root Dosage: 38-40/6oz (170G) Flowers, 42-45/6oz(170G) Leaves

Triglochin Maritima has long flower stalks, up to 3' tall. Leaves grow in a bunch at the base, and are somewhat grass-like, but fleshy and round. There is also a semi-circular indentation extending the length of the blade on one side. The flowers are small, green, and densely attached along upper half of flower stalks, giving stalks a knobby appearance. Fruits are 6-part, roundish pods, each segment containing one seed. These pods cluster tightly along stalk. This plant grows in rainy meadows, damp areas, marshes, and sea sides.

THLASPI ARVENSE

Common Names: Stinkweed, Wormwood Poison: Osinol Dosage: 12-15/1oz(28G) Leaves Thlaspi Arvense is an annual weed in the Mustard family. It is a prolific seed producer, common in fields, gardens and new lawns. Over wintered stinkweed develops rapidly in spring, often flowering before fields are dry and competing with crops for moisture and nutrients. It grows as a rosette initially, later with branched, erect stems up to 24". The leaves have a few pointy teeth, smooth on the top surface with hairs sometimes present on the undersides, and are in an alternate arrangement on the stem. Small, white, 4-petal flowers cluster at the ends of stems and branches. Stinkweed’s seed pods are circular to oval, with notched tips. As its name suggests, it is most easily identified by crushing some leaves. Stinkweed will emit a strong, rancid mustard-like odor.

URTICA DIOICA

Common Names: Hoary Nettle, Stinging Nettle Poison: Acetylcholine Dosage: 1/.1oz(2G) Sting Urtica are one of the first forest floor plants to appear in the spring, sprouting up from under last fall's dead leaf litter. Each of its leaves are about 5" long, roughly heart-shaped (rounded at one end and taper to a point at the other) and have large teeth around the leaf edge. They also have tiny hollow hairs on the main stem, leaf stems and on veins on both upper and lower sides of the leaves. In mid-spring, greenish clusters of tiny flowers hang down from the joint of the

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS leaf stem and main plant stem. At this point, they have reached their full size of up to 9' tall. Flowers later develop into seeds which are blown off the parent plant and grow nearby. Stinging nettle also spread using underground tubers that shoot out to the side.

VERATRUM VIRIDE

linear leaflets end in tendrils for climbing. From spring through early autumn the vine produces clusters of tiny corolla blue-purple trumpet flowers. There are typically 8 to 40 flowers that are all on the same side of the stem. This vine prefers waste ground, disturbed sites, road sides, and untended graveyards.

Common Names: False Hellebore, Hellebore Poke Poison: Jervine Dosage: 1/.4oz(11G) Root, 710/.9oz(25G) Young Shoots

VINCA MINOR

A plant with simple robust stems, 1' to 6' tall, leafy and hairy throughout. It has large, broad leaves, oblong, pointed at tip and clasping at the base. It's flowers are prominently ribbed, hairy underside star shaped, and a yellow-green color with dark green centers. These flowers are numerous in thin, branched drooping tassels that have a noticeable musky odor. This plant is commonly found in wet thickets, open forests and meadows.

The Common Periwinkle is a ground covering plant. It usually grows between 3” to 6” high. It has dark evergreen leaves that are 1” to 2” long. When the leaves are broken, it releases a milky sap. The common periwinkle shows flowers all summer long. These flowers are usually pale pink, white, hot pink, or purple. This plant has a shallow root system and is very easy to harvest. This plant is often planted in cemetaries in place of grass, as it only grows so high and easy to maintain.

Hairy Vetch is a sprawling, climbing vine-like plant. with broad, dense leaves. The 6 to 8 pairs of narrowly oblong to

Common Names: Camus Lilly, Elegant Camas, Mountain Death Camas, White Camas

Common Names: Myrtle, Myrtle Run, Periwinkle, Running Myrtle Poison: Vincristine Dosage: 4/1oz(28G

Poison: Zygacine Dosage: 1/2.5oz(71G) Bulb, 2023/1.8oz(51G)Flowers, 14-16/1oz(28G) Leaves The Elegant Camas blooms, sometimes in great numbers, in moist mountain meadows, appearing in midsummer following snow-melt, often in company with other moisture loving wild flowers. The Zigadenus appears in early to midspring at lower elevations. One or several stems emerge from a leafy base, topped by a cluster of small, white, sixpetaled flowers. Several flowers are found on each stemlette. Poisoning is most common in early spring because this plant often appears growing before other plant life. Most Camas plants were first collected by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806.

ZIGADENUS VENENOSUS

Common Names: Death Camas, Meadow Death Poison: Zygacine Dosage: .15/.09oz(25G) Bulb

Death Camas is a hardy wild flower that bears a resemblance to an edible Veratrum Viride prairie plant, the Prairie Onion(Allium textile) which also blooms at the same VIBURNUM OPULUS XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM time in the wild, early summer. It grows Common Names: Flat Seed Berry, Common Names: Clotbur, Cocklebur from 8" to 24" in height. Leaves are Guilder-Rose, Highbush Cranberry Poison: Tyloside grasslike, and usually shorter than the Poison: Locane Dosage: 1-3 Seeds, 10-12 Seedlings flower stalk. They have six petaled, starDosage: 12-15 Berries shaped blooms in shades of white, yelCommon cocklebur is broad leaved low, and green. Root are short and The Viburnum is a 3' evergreen and tap rooted. Stems are erect, ridged, sparse. The small seeds are contained in shrub. This plant flowers in spring, these rough and hairy, and frequently three-celled pods. Death Camas has a fragrant flowers range from white and branched, resulting in somewhat wide variation of habitats from cream to pink-flushed or wholly pink. In bushy plants. It has small, plains, grassy foothills, sagelate summer or fall the shrub bears ornagreen flowers occurring in brush slopes to mountain mental fruits. They are usually spherical separate clusters at the end forests and alpine meadand may be blue, or black. The mature of the branches and main ows. This highly poisonberries are edible but acidic and best stem. The fruit is a ous plant is a staple of suited for preparation of jellies or prebrown, hard, woody the assassin's pack. serves. This plant grows in mostly rainy bur from half an inch The roots of edible forests and valleys. long and covered with Camas plants were gathstout, hooked prickles. ered by native peoples as a VICIA VILLOSA Each fruit contains two major source of food. After seeds. Cocklebur occasionally Common Names: Bone Vetch, Fodder the poisonous Death Camas has forms a dominant ground cover Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Luddvicker, Winter Vicia Villosa finished blooming, the plant and in open woodlands, stream beds, Vetch root look like Camas. While in bloom, and beaches. Poison: Inosae natives dug up the Death Camas plants Dosage: 4/1oz(28G) Leaves, 6-8 Seeds for safety. ZIGADENUS ELEGANS

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS ABRIN

Dosage: (2mg) DC: 11 Onset: 2D4 Hours Duration: 2D2 Days Symptoms: Cough, Diarrhea, Fever, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain(Abdominal), Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Reduce Damage By 25%, Reduce Duration By 50%

ACETYLCHOLINE

Dosage: (112mg) DC: 11 Onset: 2D6 Rounds Duration: 2D12 Rounds Symptoms: Severe Itchiness, Weakness Damage: Paralyzation Save: Save Vs Paralyzation

ACONITINE

Dosage: (2mg) DC: 19 Onset: 1D8 Minutes Duration: 2D10 Hours Symptoms: Chill, Convulsions/Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Sore Throat, Weakness Damage: Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +3d6 Per Hour, Minor Kidney Damage, Minor Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 85%)

ACUTUMINE

Dosage: (15mg) DC: 17 Onset: 10D4 Minutes Duration: 1D10+6 Hours Symptoms:Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Cough Damage: Paralyzation, Spine Damage, Spine Injury 4d20+10 Save: Save Vs Spine Damage, Save Vs Spine Injury(Reduce Damage By 50%)

AMYGDALIN

Dosage: (217mg) DC: 15 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Deafness, Dizziness, Headache, Weakness Damage: Coma, Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation, Save Vs Coma

ANAGYRINE

Dosage: (100mg) DC: 18

Onset: 2D6 Hours Duration: 4D6 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Fainting, Incoordination, Weakness Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Paralyzation, Save Vs Unconsciousness

ANTIRRINOSIDE

Dosage: (320mg) DC: 28 Onset: 3D4 Days Duration: 2D6 Days Symptoms: Albinism Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

ATROPINE

Dosage: (50mg) DC: 19 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Drowsiness, Fever, Halucinations, Memory Loss, Rash, Weakness Damage: Paralyzation, Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Increase Duraration By 20%), Save Vs Paralyzation

BAECRIA

Dosage: (75mg) DC: 14 Onset: 1D12 Hours Duration: 4D12 Hours Symptoms: Cramps, Diarrhea, Labored Breathing, Weakness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

BAKANTIN

Dosage: 1.6lbs(725g) DC: 30 Onset: 1D6 Days Duration: Permanent Symptoms: Numbness (Feet, Legs) Damage: Paralyzation(Legs) Save: None

BAPTISIN

Dosage: (840mg) DC: 11 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

BELLADONNA

Dosage: (2mg) DC: 19 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 3D20 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Fever, Pain, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: Coma, Liver Damage, Liver Failure 5D20+15 Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Liver Failure

CALODINE

Dosage: (60mg) DC: 17 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 1 Hour Symptoms: Dizziness, Fainting, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Pain, Weakness Damage: Hemorrhaging 3D10+20 +2D6 Per Round, Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Hemorrhaging(Reduce Damage By 35%), Save Vs Liver Damage

CHELIDONINE

Dosage: (380mg) DC: 18 Onset: 3D10 Hours Duration: 5D6 Minutes Symptoms: Drowsiness, Pain(Chest), Intense Thirst Damage: Mild Asphyxiation 2D10 +2D4 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Mild Asphyxiation

CICUTOL

Dosage: (400mg) DC: 23 Onset: Instant Duration: 3D4 Hours Symptoms: Pallor(Eyelids, Face, Lips), Weakness Damage: Anti-Coagulation Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

CIROTINE

Dosage: (2.5g) DC: 21 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache Damage: Coma, 1D12 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Coma(Increase Duraration By 40%)

COLICINE

Dosage: (14mg) DC: 16 Onset: 1D6 Rounds Duration: 4D6 Hours

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Symptoms: Flatulence, Pain(Abdominal), Sweating Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

Symptoms: Diarrhea, Fatigue, Memory Loss, Pain(Abdominal) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

CONUBIDE

DIGITALIS

Dosage: (35mg) DC: 15 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Cough, Intense Thirst Damage: Laryngitis Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

CYANIDE(ORGANIC)

Dosage: .01oz(300mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Deafness, Dizziness, Headache, Skin Discoloration(Cyan), Weakness Damage: Brain Damage, Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +3d6 Per Hour, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Brain Damage, Save Vs Cardiac Failure, Save Vs Unconsciousness

CYCLAMIN

Dosage: (600mg) DC: 12 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Difficulty Speaking Damage: Paralyzation(Mouth, Tongue) Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

CYROTINE

Dosage: (550mg) DC: 14 Onset: 3D4 Hours Duration: 24 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Fever, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Weakness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

CYTISINE

Dosage: (60mg) DC: 15 Onset: Instant Duration: 5D6 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Headache Damage: Unconsciousness Save: Reduce Duration By 75%, Save Vs Unconsciousness

DEOXYIN

Dosage: (16g) DC: 12 Onset: 3D4 Rounds Duration: 2D12 Hours

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Dosage :(5mg) DC: 18 Onset: 2D20 Rounds Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Headache, Pain(Stomach), Swelling(Overall) Damage: Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +1D4 Per Round Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 25%)

DITERPINOL

Dosage: (230mg) DC: 14 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D10 Days Symptoms: Pain (Abdominal), Inflammation(Mouth) Damage: Paralyzation (Mouth) Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

EVOMONOSIDE

Dosage: (190mg) DC: 15 Onset: 1D4 Hours Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Severe Headache, Pain(Stomach), Swelling(Overall) Damage: Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +1D4 Per Round Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 30%)

EYCORINE

Dosage: (4.5g) DC: 22 Onset: 2D4 Days Duration: 1D4 Days Symptoms: Dizziness, Severe Headache, Memory Loss Damage: Brain Damage Save: Save Vs Brain Damage

FROHNIDE

Dosage: (1g) DC: 18 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 1D12 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Drowsiness Damage: Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Unconsciousness

GITHAGINE

Dosage: (900mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D10 Minutes Duration: 1D2 Hours Symptoms: None Damage: Paralyzation(Muscle) Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

GLUCOSINOLA

Dosage: (10g) DC: 22 Onset: 1 Month Duration: 1D6 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Fainting, Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Difficulty Speaking, Weakness Damage: Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Liver Damage

GYRIENIDE

Dosage: (825mg) DC: 20 Onset: 1D10 Hours Duration: 12 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Dizziness, Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Paralyzation, Dehydration Save: Save Vs Dehydration, Save Vs Paralyzation, Reduce Duration By 30%

HELENALIN

Dosage: (50mg) DC: 16 Onset: Instant Duration: 3D6 Minutes Symptoms: Irritation(Eyes, Nose), Sneezing Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 40%

HELIOSUPINE

Dosage: (112mg) DC: 22 Onset: 1D4 Days Duration: 36 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Fainting, Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Difficulty Speaking, Weakness Damage: Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Liver Damage

HORTUS

Dosage: (1g) DC: 19 Onset: 4D8 Minutes Duration: Permanent Symptoms: Dizziness, Headache Damage: Blindness

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Save: Save Vs Blindness

KERATO

Dosage: (1.8g) HYOSCYAMINE DC: 26 Onset: Instant Dosage: (500mg) Duration: 1D10 Days DC: 19 Symptoms: Swelling(Eyelids) Onset: 3D10 Minutes Damage: Blindness Duration: 1D12+12 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Euphoria, Fainting, Save: Save Vs Blindness Incoordination, Intense Thirst Damage: Unconsciousness LACTINE Save: Save Vs Unconsciousness Dosage: (30mg) DC: 17 INGENOL Onset: 2D8 Hours Duration: 1D4 Days Dosage: (225mg) Symptoms: Drowsiness, Headache, DC: 11 Weakness Onset: 1D6 Rounds Damage: Mild Asphyxiation 2D10 +2D4 Duration: 3D12 Hours Per Minute Symptoms: Headache, Incoordination, Save: Save Vs Mild Asphyxiation Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +1D10 Per Round LOBELINE Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure Dosage: (625mg) DC: 16 INOSAE Onset: 3D4 Days Duration: 2D6 Days Dosage: (15g) Symptoms: Headache, Incoordination, DC: 15 Nausea/Vomiting, Pain, Sweating Onset: 1D6 Hours Damage: Paralyzation, Coma, Kidney Duration: 6D4 Hours Failure 3D20+10 +3D6 Per Hour Symptoms: Dizziness, Headache, Pain, Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Kidney Swelling(Nose) Failure(Reduce Duration By 50%) Damage: Deafness Save: Reduce Duration by 40%

INTERMEDINE

Dosage: (400mg) DC: 21 Onset: 1D4+2 Days Duration: Permanent Symptoms: Dry Skin, Hair Loss, Intense Thirst, Severe Itchiness Damage: 3D4 Sores(1D4 Per Sore, Per Hour) Save: Reduce Damage By 50%

ISOFLAVIDE

Dosage: (5g) DC: 11 Onset: 2D6 Rounds Duration: 4D8 Rounds Symptoms: Severe Flatulence Damage: None Save: Save Vs Flatulence

JERVINE

Dosage: (85mg) DC: 12 Onset: 2D8 Rounds Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Chills, Cough, Diarrhea, Fever, Headache Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 10%

LOCAMIDE

Dosage: (300mg) DC: 19 Onset: 1D6+1 Days Duration: 3D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Unconsciousness Damage: 2D8 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Unconsciousness

LOCAMINE

Dosage: (100mg) DC: 18 Onset: 10D6 Minutes Duration: 3D20 Hours Symptoms: Headache, Incoordination, Nervousness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 70%

LOCANE

Dosage: (85mg) DC: 12 Onset: 2D8 Rounds Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Bruises(Face & Neck) Damage: 2D8 Bleeding Sores(3D4 Per Sore, Per Hour) Save: Reduce Damage By 25%

LUCOSINOLATE

Dosage: (15mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

MALACIA

Dosage: (9g) DC: 11 Onset: 2D8 Hours Duration: 4D12 Hours Symptoms: Dehydration, Headache, Itchiness, Pallor, Rash, Severe Pain(Joints) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 55%

MITINATE

Dosage: (200mg) DC: 18 Onset: Instant Duration: 6D4 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Headache Damage: Insomnia Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

NICOTINE

Dosage: (60mg) DC: 12 Onset: 2D20 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Pallor, Difficulty Speaking, Sweating Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Cardiac Failure 3D30+20 +1D10 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 25%, Reduce Duration By 75%), Save Vs Cardiac Failure

NYCORIDE

Dosage: (10g) DC: 16 Onset: 6D6 Minutes Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Dizziness, Headache Damage: Unconsciousness Save: None

OLEANDRIN

Dosage: 4oz(113.4g) DC: 21 Onset: 1D2+1 Days Duration: Permanent Symptoms: Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain, Sweating, Weakness Damage: Cardiac Failure 6D10+5

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CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 50%)

Damage: Cardiac Attack 3D30+20 Save: Save Vs Cardiac Attack

ONTIANIN

PALUSTRINE

Dosage: (2g) DC: 11 Onset: 1D30 Minutes Duration: 1D6+3 Hours Symptoms: Drowsiness, Fever Damage: Unconsciousness Save: (Reduce Duration By 90%)

OPIUM

Dosage: (20g) DC: 21 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Confusion, Drowsiness, Euphoria, Itchiness, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Coma Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation, Save Vs Coma

ORANINE

Dosage: (80mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D20 Rounds Duration: 1D6 Hours Symptoms: Euphoria, Intoxication Damage: Coma Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 60%

OSINOL

Dosage: (490mg) DC: 18 Onset: 2D12 Minutes Duration: 1 Hour Symptoms: Flatulence, Pain(Abdominal), Nausea/Vomiting, Rash(Face) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

OXALATE(OXALIC ACID)

Dosage: (1g) DC: 19 Onset: Instant Duration: 4D6 Hours Symptoms: Pain(Mouth) Damage: Paralyzation(Mouth, Throat), Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation

OXYNENOL

Dosage: (300mg) DC: 15 Onset: Instant Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Headache, Incoordination, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain, Sweating, Weakness

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Dosage: (2.9g) DC: 11 Onset: 1 Hour Duration: 5D6 Minutes Symptoms: Dizziness, Incoordination, Weakness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 30%

PHYTOLAGEN

Dosage: (100mg) DC: 15 Onset: 1D4 Days Duration: 24 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Confusion, Convulsions/Seizures, Deafness, Dizziness, Headache, Shivering Damage: Brain Damage, Nerve Damage Save: Save Vs Brain Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%)

PRUNASIN

Dosage: 2.5oz(72.8g) DC: 19 Onset: 1D4 Rounds Duration: 2D6 Minutes Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Headache, Incoordination, Labored Breathing, Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Severe Asphyxiation 5D20+10 +2D8 Per Round Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Severe Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 60%)

PRUSSIC ACID

Dosage: (550mg) DC: 22 Onset: 2D4 Rounds Duration: 2D6 Rounds Symptoms: Cough, Dizziness, Severe Pain(Chest), Wheezing Damage: Coma, Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Coma, Save Vs Asphyxiation

PYRROLIZIDINE

Dosage: 478mg DC: 16 Onset: 4D4 Hours Duration: 2D6 Hours Symptoms: Pain(Abdominal), Swelling(Abdominal) Damage: Liver Damage Save: Save Vs Liver Damage(Reduce Damage By 50%)

QUINONE

Dosage: (8g)

DC: 21 Onset: 3D6 Hours Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Fatigue, Fever, Jaundice, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain(Abdominal) Damage: Internal Bleeding 1D4 Per Round, Kidney Damage Save: Reduce Duration by 75%, Save Vs Kidney Damage

RANUNCULIN

Dosage: (13mg) DC: 14 Onset: Instant Duration: 3D4 Hours Symptoms: Blistering, Itchiness, Severe Rash Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

RHOEADINE

Dosage: (300mg) DC: 23 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D6 Rounds Symptoms: Chill, Convulsions/Seizures, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Weakness Damage: Cardiac Failure 20D4+10 +3D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 50%, Reduce Duration By 25%)

RICIN

Dosage: (.16mg) DC: 25 Onset: 1D6 Rounds Duration: 1D3 Days Symptoms: Cough, Drowsiness, Fever, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain, Sore Throat, Weakness Damage: Severe Asphyxiation 5D20+10 +2D8 Per Round, Cardiac Failure 5D20+20 +1D10 Per Round Save: Save Vs Severe Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 25%), Save Vs Cardiac Failure(Reduce Damage By 25%)

SANGUINARINE

Dosage: (200g) DC: 18 Onset: 3D4 Days Duration: 1D4 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain(Abdominal), Thirst Damage: Kidney Failure 3D20+10 +3D6 Per Hour Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

SAPONIN

Dosage: (464mg) DC: 19

CHAPTER 6 - TOXIC PLANTS Onset: 1D12 Minutes Duration: 1D6 Hours Symptoms: Headache, Earache, Nausea/Vomiting, Sore Throat Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

DC: 11 Onset: Instant Duration: 24 hours Symptoms: Rash, Severe Itchiness Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

SENECIONINE

THERMOPSINE

Dosage: (65mg) DC: 30 Onset: 3D4 Hours Duration: 2D4 Weeks Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Deafness, Diarrhea, Drooling, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Cardiac Depression 2D20+20 Save: Save Vs Cardiac Depression

SERIDE

Dosage: (78mg) DC: 11 Onset: 2D6 Rounds Duration: 2D8 Rounds Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Headache, Incoordination Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation

Dosage: (16mg) DC: 11 Onset: 1 Hour Duration: 23+1D8 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Dizziness, Headache, Shivering Damage: None Save: None

THYMELA

STRYCHNINE

TROENTE

Dosage: (260mg) DC: 16 Onset: 8D4 Minutes Duration: 1D2 Days Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Cramps, Nausea/Vomiting Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round, Coma, Paralyzation Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation(Reduce Damage By 40%), Save Vs Coma

TAXIPHILLIN

Dosage: (60mg) DC: 18 Onset: 3D10+30 Minutes Duration: 4D4 Rounds Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Difficulty Speaking, Sore Throat, Thirst, Weakness Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation

TELOUINE

Dosage: (70mg) DC: 24 Onset: 1D20 Minutes Duration: 2D20 Hours Symptoms: Difficulty Speaking, Drooling, Sore Throat Damage: Paralyzation(Jaw) Save: Reduce Duration By 30%

TENGENOL

Dosage: (450mg) DC: 12 Onset: 6D4 Hours Duration: 1D4 Weeks Symptoms: Severe Hair Loss, Weakness Damage: None Save: None

Dosage: (1g) DC: 11 Onset: Instant Duration: 3D6 Hours Symptoms: Nausea/Vomiting Damage: (Effects Only Creature Type: PLANT) 3D6+5 Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

TYLOSIDE

Dosage: (267mg) DC: 19 Onset: 1D10 Rounds Duration: 6D10 Minutes Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Headache, Nausea/Vomiting, Pain(Abdominal) Damage: Liver Damage, Minor Kidney Damage Save: Save Vs Liver Damage(Reduce Damage by 50%), Save Vs Minor Kidney Damage

UKONINE

Dosage: (250 mg) DC: 16 Onset: 2D20 Rounds Duration: 3D12 Hours Symptoms: Chills, Cough, Fever, Pain(Chest) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 25%

URUSHIOL

Dosage: (200mg) DC: 20 Onset: 6D8 Hours Duration: 1D8+2 Days Symptoms: Blistering, Fever, Nausea/Vomiting, Rash, Swelling(Skin, Throat) Damage: 3D4 Sores(1D4 Per Sore, Per Hour) Save: Immunity(Permanent)

VINCRISTINE

Dosage: (550mg) DC: 19 Onset: 3D6 Minutes Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Convulsions/Seizures, Hair Loss, Pain(Jaw) Damage: Asphyxiation 3D20+10 +2D6 Per Round Save: Save Vs Asphyxiation (Reduce Damage By 35%)

VOXYIN

Dosage: (500mg) DC: 17 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 2D4 Hours Symptoms: Diarrhea, Inflammation(Mouth), Pain(Abdominal) Damage: None Save: Reduce Duration By 50%

XOLATE

Dosage: (20.8g) DC: 11 Onset: 1D6 Hours Duration: 1D2 Days Symptoms: Headache, Fever Damage: Coma Save: Save Vs Coma

XYPHORBOL

Dosage: (100mg) DC: 25 Onset: Instant Duration: 1D2 Days Symptoms: Drowsiness, Weakness Damage: Reduced Healing Save: Reduce Duration By 50% Zygacine Dosage: (20mg) DC: 21 Onset: 1 Round Duration: 10D6 Minutes Symptoms: Dizziness, Headache, Pain Damage: Brain Damage, Unconsciousness Save: Save Vs Brain Damage

Dosage: (300mg)

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CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS SNAKES

Snakes seem to inspire either awe or fear. They hiss, they slither, they rattle, they don’t blink, they shed their skin and do dozens of other things that are disturbing to see. A few species can puff themselves up and others can play dead. Some have horns or odd protrusions and worst of all, their venom can cause severe pain or death within minutes when sprayed or injected through their needle-sharp fangs. For many of us, this one attribute alone is the stuff of nightmares.

MYTHS AND LORE

Some cultures hold snakes in high esteem as powerful religious symbols. Quetzalcoatl, the mythical plumed serpent, was worshipped as the Master of Life by ancient Aztecs of Central America. Some African cultures worship rock pythons and consider the killing of one to be a serious crime. In Australia, the Aborigines associate a giant rainbow serpent with the creation of life. Other cultures associate snakes with medicinal powers or rebirth. In India, one large and prominent Shaiva sect consists of the warrior ascetics, or Nagas, who have gathered since the prehistoric past. Cobras are regarded as reincarnations of these important people. Even the modern medical symbol of two snakes wrapped around a staff, or caduceus, comes from ancient Greek mythology. According to the Greeks, the mythical figure Aesculapius discovered medicine by watching as one snake used herbs to bring another snake back to life. Judeo-Christian culture is less kind to snakes. Tales of the Garden of Eden and the serpent's role in man's fall from grace contributes to the negative image of snakes in western culture. In Appalachia, some Baptists handle venomous snakes as part of ritual ceremonies, relying on faith to protect them from bites. Among Catholics, Saint Patrick is credited with ridding Ireland of snakes, a feat celebrated by many as a very good thing.

FOLK TALES

Folk tales about snakes include such fanciful things as snakes charming prey, swallowing their young for protection, poisoning people with their breath, rolling like hoops, and sucking milk from cows. While completely false, in certain games, these folk tales are applicable. A fantasy hoop snake could really roll like a dangerous hoop, or an alien Puff adder look-alike species could spew toxic vapor. This application of myth is entirely up to the GM’s individual tastes. Hoop Snakes: Hoop snakes are dangerous snakes. When surprised, this snake will grab its tail in its mouth, form a hoop with its body, and roll away. Sometimes the hoop snake will chase a person in this manner, but sometimes the hoop snake will escape from a threat. The strongest of hoop snakes will roll down a hill killing everything in its path. Swallowing Young: When confronted with danger, mother snakes swallow their young, spitting them out later once danger has passed. Snakes Travel In Pairs: Snakes travel in pairs, and if

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one is killed, the survivor will seek revenge. Charming: Snakes have the ability to charm prey, especially birds, so they cannot flee. Sucking Milk: Milk snakes are so named because of their ability to suck milk directly from the udders of cows. Poisonous Breath: Puff adders mix poison with their breath and can kill a person at a distance of 25'. Snakes Travel In Pairs. If one snake is killed the other snake seeks revenge.

UNDERSTANDING SNAKES

There are about 3000 known species of snake in the world. They have evolved specialist adaptations for living in a variety of different environments, and range in size from 4" to an excess of 38'. Despite this diversity, one characteristic they all share is their eating habits; They swallow their prey whole. The typical meal for a snake is infrequent but usually large as snakes can swallow prey larger than their own heads. This unique shape and function of their skull bones allows this. Even worm snakes, that mainly eat insects, take a large number in one meal. The bones of a snake skull has as many as seventeen flexible connections. The bones that suspend the lower jaws have flexible attachments to the skull. Unlike most vertebrates the two halves of the lower jaw are linked only by elastic ligaments. It's a very flexible skull and the left and right hand upper jaws can move independently of one another. The snout is movable on the rigid brain case. By comparison, humans have only one flexible connection in their skulls between the lower jaw and the rest of the skull. A snake's primary sense in the recognition of food is by detecting chemicals. Snakes are commonly seen flicking out their tongue. By dabbing the tongue on the ground the snake can follow a scent trail. Some of the more evolved snakes have good eyesight and detect prey movement visually. Snake eyes contain light-receptive chemicals such that could possibly perceive color, but there is no demonstration that they do. Some snakes are amphibious, such as the North American garter snake and the European grass snake. These snakes travel across the ground with side-to-side movements of the body and when they come to water, they are able to swim using these same movements. Other snakes are more fully committed to life in fresh water. There are about 50 species of snake that live in the sea. A few come ashore to lay eggs but the majority spend their whole lives in water, produce live young in the water and are almost helpless if brought ashore. Their tails are flattened sideways like eels and facilitate swimming. The majority of sea-snake species are found around southeast Asia and the islands down to northern Australia. Most are about 3' long, although they can grow up to 6' in length. Sea snakes are front-fanged snakes, highly venomous but are fortunately not particularly aggressive. Fishermen sometimes catch them in their nets and throw them back into the water. They usually get away with it, but more than one fisherman gets a

CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS given bite. In nature, it’s really not in a snake’s best interest to nasty bite for his trouble. waste venom on anything it can’t eat, as the purpose of venom Tree snakes are unable to follow a scent trail from branch is to kill prey and begin the digestion process before the snake to branch through a tree so they have particularly good eyeeven starts to swallow it. When a snake makes a successful sight. When they detect the movement of a prey, such as a attack roll, the GM should also roll a D4. If a 1 is rolled, the lizard or frog, they slither up, folding their necks into an Ssnake bite is without venom. shape and flicking their tongues up and down very fast. As they pick up scent particles from the air they are able to judge their distance from the prey and when within range strike with deadVIPERIDAE VENOM ly accuracy. They are able to gain a purchase on rough bark by Dosage: .032oz(900mg) gripping with the scales on the belly which overlap one anothDC: 30 er providing sufficient friction. A few of these snakes Onset: 5D4 Minutes can glide from tree to tree, but none can fly. Potential Duration: 4D4 Hours prey can avoid the snakes by taking to the air, but Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, sooner or later they have to come down to earth. Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Given their lack of limbs, snakes really are Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, extraordinarily versatile predators. Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Pythons and pit vipers have heat-detectRapid Pulse, Swelling (Bite), Severe Localized ing organs contained in special pits. Pythons' Pain(Bite), Weakness pits are situated around the snout and in the Damage: Internal Bleeding, 1D4+6 Per Minute lower jaw, facing forwards. They are nocturnal Save: Save Vs Internal Bleeding (Reduces and detect the heat of warm-blooded prey, like Duration By 90%) small mammals and birds, in the dark. Pit viper pits are situated between the eyes and the nostrils and also Vipers are any of a large number of poisonous snakes Vipera Ursini face forwards and contain many heat-sensitive nerve endin the family Viperidae that lack any specific specialized ings. In effect, the pit organs are extending the snake's vision traits, like rattles or heat-sensing glands. They are also cominto the infra-red. monly known as adders or asps, and are very similar in appearVenomous snakes have developed various features that ance to the non-poisonous Grass Snake (Natrix Natrix). A fullwarn off would-be predators. The coral snakes have venom sufgrown adult viper can be up to 26" long, much smaller than a ficiently powerful to harm a human being and are brightly colgrass snake. The patterning and the background color becomes ored with bands of black, yellow and red. Some harmless duller just before the snake sheds skin. The viper has vertical snakes have developed similar body markings which send the elliptical pupils, unlike the round pupils of smooth and grass same messages to local predators and people alike. In southern snakes, and the head is relatively broader, with a more proNorth America and tropical South America there are many nounced neck. Shed skins are often easily identified by the zigspecies of snake that mimic the genuinely dangerous coral zag which shows up against the light by head scales, since snakes. vipers have many more small scales on the head. Cobras deter predators by spreading their hoods and hissThe viper is endothermic, it depends on external sources of ing loudly. Spitting cobras have fangs with round heat to raise its body temperature in order to permit openings that direct the venom forwards. They use normal activity. Much of its behavior is governed by this fang to bite prey in the usual way but deter the need to maintain a suitable body temperature. predators by ejecting the venom out forcefully. Vipers generally bask in order to raise their body They can spit accurately for more than a yard. If temperatures, but they may also gain heat by conan animal gets the venom in their eyes it can tact with warm surfaces such as rocks. permanently damage the cornea. Different Both sexes bask for a short period in spring species of spitting cobra are found in parts of during which time they do not feed, they then Africa and Asia. shed their skins and become more active in Wear and tear take their toll on the fangs, preparation for mating. Adults of both sexes will which are soon blunted or torn out by the struggles slough once more in the summer. Mating usually of prey animals. Fresh fangs are always held in occurs in late spring, and may be preceded by a male reserve, each poised to move into position when Atractaspis Congica combat ritual in which rival males entwine the anterirequired. The base of a functioning fang, and often the or halves of their bodies and attempt to push each other first reserve fang behind it as well, is penetrated by a duct that down to the ground. Males follow scent trails left by females, leads from a large gland behind the eye. These glands are situand copulation itself may last for two hours. The eggs are ated on either side of the head, and are modified salivary glands retained inside the female and live young are born in early surrounded by muscle. When these muscles contract they force autumn, usually close to the hibernation area. There are usualthe clear or yellowish venom along the venom ducts and down ly 2D4+2 snakes per litter with females generally only giving through the fangs, squirting out under pressure as if from a birth every other year. pair of hypodermic syringes. Venom may be injected with each Feeding commences after mating. Their diet is mostly of a possible series of consecutive bites. small mammals and reptiles, particularly mice, voles and com25% of all bites by venomous snakes are 'dry'. Snakes can mon lizards. They also take fledgling birds, and occasionally and often do meter the amount of venom they inject in any frogs. Vipers can swim well, but this is generally a much rarer

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CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS component of their behavior than is the case for grass snakes, which habitually prey on amphibians. Hibernation sites are often associated with banks, often south facing. Generally these are in well-drained soil, often with woodland or scrub, and the vegetation can be quite dense. Earthen banks are frequently used and holes in the ground or fissures, such as those associated with tree roots or mammal burrows, are also often occupied. Old stone walls or piles of rubble may also be used. It appears the main criteria are that the site should be easily penetrable, avoid becoming waterlogged, provide a frost-free hibernating den and be in a relatively sunny position. vipers may hibernate communally, sometimes along with other reptile species. Trimeresurus Albolabris Common Name(s): White-Lipped Tree Viper Trimeresurus Flavoviridis Common Name(s): Habu Trimeresurus Gramineus Common Name(s): Green Tree Viper Trimeresurus Monticola Common Name(s): Chinese Mountain Viper Trimeresurus Mucrosquamatus Common Name(s): Chinese Habu Trimeresurus Okinavensis Common Name(s): Himehabu Trimeresurus Popeorum Common Name(s): Pope's Tree Viper

Vipera Xanthina Common Name(s): Near East Viper

Causus Rhombeatus Common Name(s): Common Night Adder Vipera Berus Common Name(s): Cross Adder

Vipera Xanthina Palaestinae Common Name(s): Palestine Viper Vipera Xanthina Xanthina Common Name(s): Turkish Viper Adder Breeds Atractaspis Bibronii Common Name(s): Bribron's Burrowing Adder, Stiletto Snake

Atheris Species Common Name(s): African Bush Vipers Atractaspis Species Common Name(s): Mole Vipers Bitis Gabonica Common Name(s): Gaboon Viper Bitis Naricornis Common Name(s): Rhinoceros Viper

Vipera Superciliaris Common Name(s): African Lowland Adder

Vipera Ursini Common Name(s): Meadow Adder Asp Breeds

Cerastes Cerastes Common Name(s): Horned Viper Echis Carinatus Common Name(s): Saw-Scaled Viper Echis Coloratus Common Name(s): Saw-Scaled Arabian Viper

Cerastes Vipera Common Name(s): Cleopatra's Asp, Pseudocerastes Persicus Sahara Sand Viper Common Name(s): Persian Horned Viper Vipera Aspis

PIT VIPER VENOM

Atractaspis Congica Common Name(s): Congo Burrowing Adder

Bitis Cornuta Common Name(s): Horned Adder

Common Name(s): European Asp

Bothrops Nasutus Vipera Kaznakovi Common Name(s): Hognose Viper Common Name(s): Caucasus Adder Bothrops Nummifer Common Name(s): Jumping Viper Vipera Lebetina Common Name(s): Bothrops Schlegelii Common Name(s): Eyelash Viper Desert Adder

Agkistrodon Contortrix

Dosage: .032oz(900mg) DC: 30 Onset: 5D4 Minutes Duration: 4D4 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Bite), Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Weakness Damage: Internal Bleeding, 1D4+6 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Internal Bleeding (Reduces Duration By 90%) Most poisous snakes in the United States and tropical regions are pit vipers. Pit vipers are a group of venomous snakes that have deep depressions on each side of the face between the nostril and the eye. These are associated with a membrane that is incredibly sensitive to changes in temperature and serves to detect the presence of infra-red heat. Equipped with the most efficient natural heat receptors in the animal world, these pits allow the snake to sense the heat difference between a small animal and the cooler rocks, plants and other objects in the area. When a warm-blooded animal ventures closer than 20", the snake can detect the prey entirely

Agistrodon Piscivorus

Vipera Berus Common Name(s): European Viper Bitis Gabonica Common Name(s): Gaboon Adder Vipera Latasti Common Name(s): Lataste's Snub- Bitis Inornata Nosed Viper Common Name(s): Cape Puff Adder Vipera Lebetina Common Name(s): Levantine Viper Bitis Peringuey Common Name(s): Peringuey's Vipera Russelli Adder Common Name(s): Russell's Viper

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Causus Lichtensteinii Common Name(s): Lichtenstein Night Adder

Vipera Ursinii Common Name(s): Orsini's Viper

Trimeresurus Purpureomaculatus Common Name(s): Mangrove Viper Bitis Arietans Common Name(s): Puff Trimeresurus Stejnegeri Adder Common Name(s): Chinese Green Tree Viper Bitis Atropos Common Name(s): Trimeresurus Wagleri Berg Adder Common Name(s): Wagler's viper Bitis Caudalis Vipera Ammodytes Common Common Name(s): Long-Nosed Name(s): Horned Viper Puff Adder Vipera Aspis Common Name(s): Asp Viper

Causus Depfilppi Common Name(s): Snouted Night Adder

CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS There are numerous subspecies and color variations, but they are all positively identified by the jointed rattles on the tail. Rattlers get a new rattle segment each time the snake sheds its skin which is normally about 3 to 4 times per year. Copperheads: The average copperhead has eliptical Hatchling rattlesnakes are born with only one segment on their eyes, a broad head, and a slender neck. The main scale color is rattle called a button. This brand new rattle is noiseless until a pale reddish brown or pinkish brown with rich definded redthe hatchling rattler sheds its skin for the first time and adds a dish-brown or chestnut-brown crossbands, extending laterally. segment to the button. The rattle makes noise when segments Length ranges from 18" to 30" inches. The tip of the tail is yelclick against each other. lowish green or greenish gray. Adult copperhead fangs are relWhile most of the rattlers are concentrated in the southatively short in nature. western United States, they extend north, east and south in Common Name(s): Northern Agkistrodon Contortrix diminishing numbers and varieties, so that every contiguous Copperhead Common Name(s): Copperhead state has one or more varieties. At higher elevations, and in the fall, rattlesnakes congregate at crevices in rocky ledges to Agkistrodon Contortrix Agkistrodon Contortrix Contortrix hibernate for the winter, often returning to these places annuPhaeogaster Common Name(s): Southern ally. These spots are known as snake dens. When temperatures Common Name(s): Osage Copperhead Copperhead begin to warm in May and early June, snakes come out of Agkistrodon Contortrix Laticinctus hibernation. They remain near the den entrance for a few days, Common Name(s): Broad-Banded Agkistrodon Contortrix Pictigaster sunning themselves. They then make their way to where they Common Name(s): Pecos Copperhead will spend the summer, rarely more than a mile from their Copperhead dens. Most rattlers are secretive in their summer activities, Agkistrodon Contortrix Mokeson hunting at night and remaining inactive and out of sight for days at a time during the digestive period after eating. Consequently, more snakes are seen in the spring and Cottonmouth: Cottonmouth are partly fall migrations to and from their winter homes. aquatic, living in or near water and feeding mainIdeal habitats are where there is a constant, ly on fish and amphibians. These poisonous abundant supply of small rodents. Well fed snakes snakes are usually not aggressive unless agitatsometimes attain a length of 5', but the average ed or threatened. When angered cottonadult size is between 3' and 4'. mouths will coil their bodies and expose a Eggs are retained in the rattlesnake mother's fully opened mouth as if ready to bite. The body until hatched, and the young are born alive. open mouth exposes a white interior which Female rattlers killed with the young still in the gives rise to its common name. Other common body gave rise to the folk tale that they swallow their names are moccasin and water moccasin. babies to protect them from danger. A female rattler These snakes have a dark olive or black back Sistrurus Ravus may contain from 4 to 25 (3D8+1) eggs, from which an with a lighter belly. hatchlings are marked by bands average of 9 or 10 hearty young are born live. with darker borders and paler centers. Their color darkens as they get older, thus the pattern is usually lost or hardly noticeCrotalus Cerastes Laterorepens Crotalus Adamanteus able on adult Cottonmouths. Ancient specimins may also be a Common Name(s): Colorado Desert Common Name(s): Eastern uniform black. The snout is usually pale and the eyes are camSidewinder Diamondback Rattlesnake ouflaged by a broad dark facial stripe so that when viewed from Crotalus Durissus Durissus Crotalus Atrox on top the eyes cannot be seen and so the head is distinctly Common Name(s): Central American Common Name(s): Western broader than the neck. The eyes are also elliptical instead of by its body heat, even aiming its strike without any other sensory information, in total darkness.

Agistrodon Piscivorus Common Name(s): Cottonmouth, Water Moccasin

Agkistrodon Acutus Common Name(s): Hundred-Pace Snake

Diamondback Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake

Crotalus Basiliscus Basiliscus Common Name(s): Mexican WestCoast Rattlesnake

Crotalus Durissus Culminatus Common Name(s): Northwestern Neotropical Rattlesnake

Agistrodon Piscivorus Conanti Common Name(s): Florida Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon Halys Common Name(s): Mamushi

Crotalus Basiliscus Oaxacus Common Name(s): Oaxacan Rattlesnake

Crotalus Durissus Terrificus Common Name(s): South American Rattlesnake

Agistrodon Piscivorus Piscivorus Common Name(s): Eastern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon Hypnale Common Name(s): Hump-Nosed Viper

Crotalus Catalinensis Common Name(s): Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake

Crotalus Durissus Totonacus Common Name(s): Totonacan Rattlesnake

Agkistrodon Piscivorus Leucostoma Common Name(s): Western Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon Rhodostoma Common Name(s): Malayan Pit Viper

Crotalus Cerastes Cerastes Common Name(s): Mojave Desert Sidewinder

Crotalus Enyo Enyo Common Name(s): Lower California Rattlesnake

Crotalus Cerastes Cercobombus Common Name(s): Sonoran Desert Sidewinder

Crotalus Enyo Cerralvensis Common Name(s): Cerralvo Island Rattlesnake

round. Rattlesnakes: Rattlesnakes come in 16 distinct varieties.

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CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS Crotalus Exsul Common Name(s): Cedros Island Diamond Rattlesnake

Crotalus Tigris Common Name(s): Tiger Rattlesnake

Crotalus Horridus Horridus Common Name(s): Timber

Crotalus Tortugensis Common Name(s): Tortuga Island Diamond Rattlesnake

Crotalus Horridus Atricaudatus Common Name(s): Canebrake Rattlesnake Crotalus Intermedius Intermedius Common Name(s): Totalcan SmallHeaded Rattlesnake Crotalus Lepidus Lepidus Common Name(s): Mottled Rock Rattlesnake Crotalus Lepidus Klauberi Common Name(s): Banded Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus Unicolor Common Name(s): Aruba Island Rattlesnake Crotalus Vegrandis Common Name(s): Uracoan Rattlesnake Crotalus Viridis Abyssus Common Name(s): Grand Canyon Rattlesnake Crotalus Viridis Caliginis Common Name(s): Coronado Island Rattlesnake

Crotalus Lepidus Morulus Common Name(s): Tamaulipan Rock Crotalus Viridis Cerberus Common Name(s): Arizona Black Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Crotalus Mitchelli Mitchelli Crotalus Viridis Decolor Common Name(s): San Lucan Common Name(s): Midget Faded Speckled Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Crotalus Mitchelli Pyrrhus Crotalus Viridis Helleri Common Name(s): Southwestern Common Name(s): Southern Pacific Speckled Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Crotalus Mitchelli Stephensi Crotalus Viridis Lutosus Common Name(s): Panamint Common Name(s): Great Basin Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Crotalus Molossus Molossus Common Name(s): Northern Black- Crotalus Viridis Nuntius Common Name(s): Hopi Rattlesnake Tailed Rattlesnake

Lanceheads: Lanceheads are a special type of pit viper found in the tropics. Their heads are triangular, pointed and resemble the head of a spear, giving this species its common name. The common adult lancehead measures 4' to 7' long, usually brown, reddish-brown, olive, green or grayish-brown in color with large, dark, pale triangles on the sides of its body. These are excelent camouflage shades and make this animal difficult to see, causing -5 to Spot checks and other mundane observational skill checks. Lanceheads inhabit lowland areas of topical jungles, in open and wooded areas, and along forest edges. In drier regions, the lancehead also may occur along major rivers. Young lanceheads feed on lizards, adults mainly eat small mammals and birds, rodents, lizards and smaller snakes. The lancehead relies on it's quality camouflage and the pit organ to hunt this prey. Young lanceheads wiggle the tips of their yellow tails to lure small mammals and birds, while adults lurk and hunt among ground plants or wait for prey. The female lancehead gives birth to a litter of up to 80(8D10) live young. These hatchlings are about 1' in length and are born with fully functioning venom glands. Lanceheads are known to be very aggressive, and the habit of lying in trails to wait for prey, or invading plantations in search of rodents cause the majority of venomous snakebites. Bothrops Alternatus Common Name(s): Urutu, Yarara

Bothrops Dunni Common Name(s): Dunn's Pit Viper

Bothrops Alticola Common Name(s): Parker's Pit Viper

Bothrops Fonsecai Common Name(s): Fonseca's Pit Viper

Bothrops Andianus Common Name(s): Andean Pit Viper

Bothrops Godmanni Common Name(s): Godmann's Pit Viper

Bothrops Asper Common Name(s): Terciopelo

Bothrops Insularis Common Name(s): Island Jararaca

Bothrops Atrox Common Name(s): Barba Amarilla

Bothrops Jararaca Common Name(s): Jararaca

Bothrops Barbouri Common Name(s): Barbour's Pit Viper

Bothrops Jararacussu Common Name(s): Jararacussu

Crotalus Molussus Nigrescens Common Name(s): Mexican BlackTailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus Viridis Oreganus Common Name(s): Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Crotalus Polystictus Common Name(s): Mexican LanceHeaded Rattlesnake

Crotalus Viridis Viridis Common Name(s): Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus Pricei Pricei Common Name(s): Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake

Crotalus Willardi Willardi Common Name(s): Arizona RidgeNosed Rattlesnake

Crotalus Ruber Ruber Common Name(s): Red Diamond Rattlesnake

Crotalus Willardi Silus Common Name(s): Chihuahuan Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake

Crotalus Ruber Lucasensis Common Name(s): San Lucan Diamond Rattlesnake

Sistrurus Catenatus Catenatus Common Name(s): Eastern Massasauga

Crotalus Scutulatus Scutulatus Common Name(s): Mojave Rattlesnake

Sistrurus Catenatus Edwardsi Common Name(s): Desert Massasauga

Bothrops Brazili Common Name(s): Brazil's Pit Viper

Crotalus Scutulatus Salvini Common Name(s): Huamantlan Rattlesnake

Sistrurus Catenatus Tergeminus Common Name(s): Western Massasauga

Bothrops Caribbeaus Common Name(s): St. Lucia Pit Viper

Crotalus Stejnegeri Common Name(s): Long-Tailed Rattlesnake

Sistrurus Miliarius Miliarius Common Name(s): Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnake

Bothrops Cotiara Common Name(s): Cotiara

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Bothrops Barnetti Common Name(s): Barnett's Pit Viper Bothrops Bicolor Common Name(s): Bocourt's Pit Viper Bothrops Bilineatus Bilineatus Common Name(s): Amazonian Tree-Viper

Bothrops Lanceolatus Common Name(s): Fer-De-Lance Bothrops Lansbergii Common Name(s): Lansberg's Hog Nose Viper Bothrops Lateralis Common Name(s): Yellow-Lined Pit Viper Bothrops Melanurus Common Name(s): Black-Tailed Pit Viper Bothrops Nasutus Common Name(s): Hog-Nosed Pit Viper Bothrops Neuwiedi Common Name(s): Jararaca Pintada, Wied's Lance-Head

CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS Bothrops Nigroviridis Nigroviridis Common Name(s): Black Spotted Pit Trimeresurus Flavoviridis Common Name(s): Common Viper Name(s): Habu Bothrops Nummifier Trimeresurus Gramineus Common Name(s): Jumping Viper Common Name(s): Green Tree Viper Bothrops Orphryomegas Trimeresurus Monticola Common Name(s): Western HogCommon Name(s): Chinese Nosed Pit Viper Mountain Viper Bothrops Peruvianis Trimeresurus Common Name(s): Peruvian Pit Mucrosquamatus Viper Common Name(s): Chinese Habu Bothrops Pirajai Common Name(s): Piraja's Pit Viper, Trimeresurus Jararacucu Okinavensis Common Bothrops Schlegelii Name(s): Common Name(s): Eyelash Viper Himehabu Bothrops Yucatannicus Common Name(s): Yucatan Pit Viper Trimeresurus Popeorum Common Name(s): Trimeresurus Albolabris Pope's Habu Common Name(s): White-Lipped Tree Viper

Duration: 2D6 Days Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Bite), Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Weakness Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Shock, 2D6 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 85%

Coral Snakes: The coral snake envenoms with a pair of small, fixed, fangs. Venom is delivered via grooves in the teeth, rather than injected by hypodermic action, which is why coral snakes like to hang on for awhile. Unlike vipers, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, which strike quickly, coral snakes MUST hang on for an additional round to achieve significant envenomation. The first successful attack means the snake has attached to the flesh of the target. Each round that the coral is attached gives a chance to envenom. Coral Snakes are rather tiny, with a small head, and grow only 13" to 22" in length with a girth Naja Haje about the size of a pencil. A coral snake is normaly recognized by its wide red and black bands and narrow yellow and Bushmasters: Bushmasters are found in relatively cool, white rings completely encircling its body. Several other snakes moist tropical forests from mountainous areas to coastal lowmimic this coloration, most notably the Scarlet Kingsnake lands. This species is the largest of all venomous snakes in the (Lampropeltis Triangulum), but the coral snake is the only Americas and the longest pit viper in the world, sometimes snake with red bands bordered by white or pale yellow. reaching a length of 12'. As with other members of its subfamiCorals are nocturnal in habit and are most likely to be out ly, the bushmaster has hinged fangs that lie flat on the roof of after summer rains, when few animals are present. Coral the mouth when not in use. Because of this adaptation, their snakes are very secretive, spending most of their lives under fangs can be very long, reaching as much as 1.4" in a large indirocks or buried in the soil. vidual. Their bodies are slightly flattened, with broad, wedgeIts bright coloration serves as a warning to predators, but shaped heads and a short tail ending in a bony spur. When agiif provoked, it will bury its head in the coils of its body and raise tated, they may shake their tail tip against foliage to make a its tail to expose the underside. The coral snake then contracts threatening sound. They have a light tan background color with it's tail muscles and making a popping sound to startle enelarge, darker brown to black diamond-shaped patterns on their mies. backs. Their scales are bumpy, with a pronounced Females lay 2 or 3 eggs in the late summer ridge of hard, sharp scales running down the center which take about 10 weeks of incubation before of their back. hatching. Upon emerging, the young are 7" to 8" The bushmaster is the only egg-laying pit long. viper in the Americas, laying 6 to 12 (2D4+4) eggs, each of which is white and slightly largStriped Red Snake Calliophis Micruroides Euryxanthus Japonicus er than a chicken egg. After laying her eggs, Common Name(s): Sonoran Coral Common the female coils her body around them and Snake Name(s): Japanese guards them until they hatch 76-79 days later. Coral Snake She will not leave her eggs, not even to hunt, durMicrurus Frontalis ing the hatching period. Common Name(s): Brazilian Coral Calliophis Kelloggi

Lachesis Muta Common Name(s): Bushmaster

Common Name(s): Plato Negro

Lachesis Muta Rhombeata Common Name(s): Coastal Bushmaster

Lachesis Stenophrys Common Name(s): Central American Bushmaster

Lachesis Muta Melanocephala

ELAPIDAE VENOM

Dosage: .007oz(200mg) DC: 22 Onset: 2D6 Minutes

Micrurus Fulvius

Common Name(s): Kellogg's Coral Snake

Snake

Micrurus Fulvius Common Name(s): Common Calliophis Nigrescens Common Name(s): Black Climbing Coral Snake Coral Snake Micrurus Fulvius Fulvius Common Name(s): Eastern Coral Calliophis Sauteri Hatori Common Name(s): Oriental Coral Snake Snake Micrurus Fulvius Tenere Common Name(s): Texas Coral Calliophis Sauteri Sauteri Snake Common Name(s): Asia Coral Snake, Sauters Coral Snake,

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CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS Cobras: Some cobras are the longest venomous snakes in the world. Though most cobras average no more than 6' in length, the king cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah) can attain a length of 18', longer than most crocodiles. These snakes are active by day, moving silently through vegetation and deliberately avoiding disturbances. If a cobra is startled, it will rear its head and while swaying back and forth, ribs in the neck flatten out, expanding the folds of skin and creating a long, narrow hood. This is intended to intimidate an intruder. If an intruder does not leave when warned the cobra will strike quickly. The cobras bite, while effective against most animals, is little use against birds of prey, which swoop down from behind to strike the back of the snake's head. Cobras will hide in thickets to avoid these deadly enemies. Cobra females will lay 2-20 (2D10) eggs about once per year. Females seek out secluded spots for laying, then excavates a shallow, circular depression in the ground up to 3" in diameter. There she deposits 40 to 50 eggs and remains on or near the nest until they hatch in 70 to 77 days. The female defends her nest site agressively. The male may also stay close by for a while to assist in defense. When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are 12" to 25" long. Their venom, produces in small quantities, is just a powerful as an adults. As soon as all the young snakes have hatched, the female leaves. Cobras have few natural enemies as adults, but the hatchlings have many. They are preyed upon by civet cats, army ants, and giant centipedes, and the eggs may be eaten or trampled by a wild boar or a mongoose. Even given its dangerous properties, the cobra still remains the favourite of snake charmers. It is not, however, the music of their flutes that catches the attention of the cobra, but rather the movement of the flute itself. From ancient times these snake charmers have put their lives at risk. It is vital that they know their snakes well and exactly how far they can manipulate them. Boulengerina Annulata Common Name(s): Banded Water Cobra Hemachatus Haemachatus Common Name(s): Ringhal Naja Anchietae Common Name(s): Anchita's Cobra Naja Haje Common Name(s): Brown Cobra, Egyptian Cobra Naja Melanoleuca Common Name(s): Black Cobra, Forest Cobra Naja Naja Atra Common Name(s): Chinese Cobra, Taiwan Cobra Naja Naja Kaouthia Common Name(s): Monocellate Cobra Naja Naja Naja Common Name(s): Cobra De Capello, Indian Cobra Naja Naja Oxiana

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Common Name(s): Central Asian Cobra Naja Naja Phillipinensis Common Name(s): Philippine Cobra Naja Naja Sputatrix Common Name(s): Malayan Cobra Naja Nivea Common Name(s): Cape Or Yellow Cobra Ophiophagus Hannah Common Name(s): King Cobra Paranaja Multifasciata Common Name(s): Burrowing Cobra Pseudohaje Nigra Common Name(s): Black Tree Cobra Pseudohaje Goldii Common Name(s): Gold's Tree Cobra Walterinnesia Aegyptia Common Name(s): Desert Cobra, Desert Blacksnake

Spitting Cobras: The fangs of spitting cobras resemble those of other cobras, but the opening through which the venom flows out of the fangs are much smaller, closer to the base of the fang, rounded rather than elongated in shape, and the venom canal inside the fang reaches the outlet at a right angle to the tooth. When the venom gland is compressed, the narrower outlet creates greater pressure to build up, forcing the venom to spray out in tiny droplets. The snake then blows air out through the mouth by collapsing its lungs. The venom droplets are directed outwards in a pair of fine sprays up to a range of 8'. Spitting cobras are very accurate at short range and aim for the eyes, gaining a +2 at half-range or less. The venom doesn't cause any harm on unbroken skin, but The target must make a Refelex Save or be blinded for 2D6 hours. Unless it is rinsed out immediately, extensive damage to the cornea will cause permanent blindness. Spitting cobras usually flee after spitting. Naja Nigricollis Common Name(s): Spitting Cobra

Naja Nigricollis Massambique Common Name(s): Red Spitting Cobra

Kraits: The kraits are highly venomous snakes found in Southeast Asia. The common krait has a darkly colored body with thin white bands that are absent in their anterior and can reach a maximum length of 6'. Kraits feed on small mammals, lizards, frogs and toads, but since their fangs are not very long, kraits inject their venom by chewing. Fortunately these snakes are quiet and inoffensive in disposition, and the krait bites only under severe provocation. The krait is essentially a snake of the plains, usually found in open country, cultivated areas and scrub jungles at low levels. In spring the females find shelter in large stones or trees and lay from 6 to 12 (2D4+4) eggs, which she deposits in holes in the ground or under leaves. She stays with the clutch until the young emerge 60 to 65 days later. Bungarus Caeruleus Common Name(s): Blue Krait

Bungarus Flaviceps Common Name(s): Red-Headed Krait

Bungarus Candidus Common Name(s): Malayan Krait Bungarus Multicinctus Common Name(s): Formosan Bungarus Fasciatus Krait Common Name(s): Banded Krait

Mambas: The scales of mambas are darkly colored, as is the lining of the mouth. The head is also distinctive in being narrowly shaped and having round eyes with round pupils. Mambas are known for being aggressive when agitated or confronted and will strike with deadly precision. The average length of a specimen varies between 6' to 7', but an exceptional case was recorded of 13.5'. This snake has quite a large distribution in Africa. They are, however, absent from equatorial forests and desert areas. They prefer more open bush and savanna at low attitudes. Females deposit a batch of 8 to 17 (3D4+5) oval shaped eggs in shallow pits that hatch in 80-90 days. The hatchlings are usually dark in color and measure between 6" to 27" in length.

CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS Common Name(s): Jameson's Dendroaspis Angusticeps Common Name(s): Eastern Green Eastern Mamba Mamba Dendroaspis Polylepsis Common Name(s): Black Mamba Dendroaspis Jamesoni Jamesoni Common Name(s): Jameson's Dendroaspis Viridis Southern Mamba Common Name(s): Western Dendroaspis Jamesoni Kaimosae Green Mamba

Tiger Snakes: Mainland tiger snakes, as well as those found on the large offshore islands, hardly vary in size. Mainland tiger snakes come with exceptional color variations and are mainly banded. These bands can be shades of brown, grey, olive, green and creamy yellow. Occasionally unbanded brown or black specimens are found. Island tiger snakes are predominantly black. On Chappell Island they can vary to olive brown. On Roxby and Reevesby Islands they are black. Tiger snakes frequent the cool areas of Australia. All of them have this in common, some live in swamps while others live on islands. Common tiger snakes live in wet areas where there are plenty of frogs. Tiger snakes eat anything that moves, but they love to eat frogs. Their young even eat tadpoles and baby frogs. Tiger snakes are relatively sluggish by nature and swampy areas have plenty of frogs that are far easier to catch than the fast-moving small mammals such as rats and mice. Notechis Ater Ater Common Name(s): Krefft's Tiger Snake Notechis Ater Humphreysi Common Name(s): King Island Tiger Snake

Notechis Ater Serventyi Common Name(s): Chappell Island Tiger Snake

Common Name(s): Eastern Brown Pseudechis Papuanus Common Name(s): Papuan Black Snake Tropidechis Carinatus Snake Common Name(s): Rough-Scaled Snake Pseudechis Porphyriacus Common Name(s): Red-Bellied Pseudechis Australis Black Snake Common Name(s): King Brown/Mulga Snake Pseudonaja Textilis

False Adders: These Elapids seem to have had convergent evolution with the Viperidae family. Death adders are characterised by a broad somewhat flattened, triangular head, short stout body and a thin rat-like tail ending in a curved soft spine. This spine separates the Death Adders from all other Australasian elapids. Acanthophis Antarcticus Antarcticus Common Name(s): Common Death Adder Acanthophis Antarcticul Laevis

Common Name(s): Eastern Death Adder Acanthophis Pyrrhus Common Name(s): Desert Death Adder

Whip Snakes: Specimens range in color from gray, green, and yellow, often with red markings running along the back. Average length is 25.5", but specimens of over a 39" are known. Whip Snakes are found in all types of habitat, moving swiftly and feeding principally on lizards. When inactive this species hides under ground litter such as rocks, logs, bark, etc. Male combat occurs during the mating season, but is not necessarily directly connected with mating. A female lays 3 to 9 (2D4+1) eggs, often communally with up to 7 other females, in summer. The eggs take about 8-9 weeks to hatch and the hatchlings measure 5". Notechis Ater Niger

Notechis Scutatus Common Name(s): Notechis Ater Niger Common Tiger Snake Common Name(s): Peninsula Tiger Snake, Southern Tiger Snake Notechis Scutatus Scutatus Common Name(s): Australian Notechis Ater Occidentalis Tiger Snake Common Name(s): Western Australian Tiger Snake

Taipans: Taipans average 4.75' in length, are fast, nervous, and undeniably intelligent. Taipans combine their paranoid nature with one of the most potent venom cocktails in the world, and the longest fangs of any elapid snake. They will strike readily at the slightest disturbance, and can literally launch themselves off the ground toward the source of the agitation. The Australian taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus Scutellatus) enjoys the reputation of a 100% mortality rate in human snakebite victims. Taipans mate between May and October, with females producing 1-2 clutches each season. Clutch sizes can range from 8 to 22 (2D8+6) eggs, and incubate in 56-66 days. Oxyuranus Scutellatus Canni Hoplocephalus Bungaroides Common Name(s): Broad-Headed Common Name(s): Papua Taipan Snake Oxyuranus Scutellatus Scutellatus Common Name(s): Australian Oxyuranus Microlepidotus Common Name(s): Inland Taipan Taipan

Demansia Papuensis Common Name(s): Papuan Whip Snake

Demansia Psammophis Common Name(s): SpottedHeaded Snake, Yellow-Faced Whip Snake

False Garters: Generally, you can recognize these uncommon snakes by the pattern of yellow stripes on a black or brown background. Although the pattern is variable, it usually consists of a narrow stripe down the middle of the back and a broad stripe on each side. Between the center and each side stripe are two rows of alternating black spots. These snakes occupy a variety of habitats including pond and stream edges, wetlands, forests, fields, rocky hillsides and residential areas. They are often observed as they bask on rocks, wood piles, stone walls, and hedges. Although they feed on a variety of small animals, primary prey are earthworms and amphibians. Elaps Lacteus Common Name(s): Dwarf Garter Snake

Elapsoidea Sundervallii Common Name(s): Bush Garter

74

CHAPTER 7 - SNAKE VENOMS COLUBRID VENOM

submerge and they have special scales that shield their mouths. A sea snake has one lung that extends the length of its body and it's used like a reserved air sac and for buoyancy control. Sea snakes can also absorb oxygen from the water through their skin and stay submerged for about two hours if necessary. Some have generalized diets and others only feed on specific prey. Like its land cousins, a sea snake can unhinge its jaw to feed. The most remarkable thing about sea snakes is their venom. Little of it is transferred to the victim and only onefourth of those bitten show signs of poisoning, so poisoning will only occur on a natural attack roll of 16 to 20. The venom is a paralyzing agent to the nervous system and the victim becomes unable to breath, often resulting in a suffocation death. They may have small mouths, but sea snakes can and will bite people when provoked. Sea Snake are very docile creatures, prefering to Colubrids form the main proportion simply swim away if in trouble. Most sea snake (66%) of the snake species in all major bites occur on fishing trawlers, when the snakes regions of the world with the exception of are sometimes hauled in with a net of fish. They do Australia, where the front-fanged snakes pretend to be aggressive only during the winter mating dominate. Although most colubrids are nonseason. The sea snake is also very curious, and venomous, a few possess enlarged and often become fascinated by long, thin objects, such as high grooved teeth on the rear of the upper jaw to pressure hoses. Provoked snakes seaking mates can enable toxic secretions to be introduced into the Dispholidus Typus become very aggressive and persistent. body of a prey or an enemy. Yellow-Lipped Sea Kraits are not true sea snakes. Though The Boomslang and Twig Snake are usually found in trees. they forage in the ocean for eels, they return to shore to digest The Boomslang is green or brown while the twig snake blends prey, shed skins, mate, and lay eggs. True sea snakes never go in with dry twigs and will remain motionless when disturbed, ashore, and give birth to live young out at sea. Despite the fact camouflaging itself to be a twig, hence the name. Both these that their venom is powerful enough to kill with one bite, the snakes are lethal to humans. There is antivenin for the snakes are unusually docile in nature and are highly tolerant of Boomslang but can only be ordered by doctors on request. people. The yellow-lipped sea krait is so tame that the venThere is no antivenin against the bite of a twig snake. Twig omous animals can be collected by the handful. snake venom creates blood clotting in victims, creating a need for blood transfusions and renders traditional antivenins useSea Snake Acalyptophis Peronii Common Name(s): Horned Sea less. Fortunately for most the twig snake is not an aggressive Astrotia Stokesii Snake snake and will flee when activly approached. Dosage: .02oz(56omg) DC: 37 Onset: 2D2 Minutes Duration: 1D4 Hours Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions/Seizures, Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/Vomiting, Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Bite), Severe Localized Pain(Bite), Weakness Damage: Cardiac Failure 3D30+20, 1D4+6 Per Minute Save: Save Vs Cardiac Failure (Reduces Damage by 50%), Reduce Duration By 60%

Dispholidus Typus Common Name(s): Boomslang, Twig Snake

Thelotornis Kirtlandii Common Name(s): Bird Snake

SEA SNAKE & KRAIT VENOM

Aipysurus Apraefrontalis Common Name(s): ShortNosed Sea Snake Aipysurus Duboisii Common Name(s): Dubois's Sea Snake, Reef Shallows Sea Snake

Dosage: .00007oz(2mg) DC: 22 Onset: 2D6 Minutes Duration: 2D6 Days Aipysurus Eydouxii Symptoms: Blurred Vision, Convulsions Common Name(s): /Seizures, Diarrhea, Discoloration, Dizziness, Spine-Tailed Sea Snake, Excessive Sweating, Fainting, Fever, Stagger-Banded Sea Snake Incoordination, Intense Thirst, Nausea/ Vomiting, Enhydrina Schistosa Numbness, Rapid Pulse, Swelling (Bite), Severe Localized Aipysurus Foliosquama Common Name(s): Leaf-Scaled Pain(Bite), Weakness Sea Snake Damage: Coma, Paralyzation, Shock, 2D6 Per Hour Save: Save Vs Coma, Reduce Duration By 85% There are roughly fifty species of true sea snakes and five species of Sea Kraits. The biggest difference between the two is that kraits return to the land to lay their eggs. Both kraits and sea snakes have adapted to marine life. Their tails are flattened for swimming. They have glands in their mouths that remove and excrete salt from the seawater that they happen to swallow. Their nostrils close when they

75

Aipysurus Fuscus Common Name(s): Dusky Sea Snake

Aipysurus Laevis Common Name(s): Golden Sea Snake, Olive Sea Snake Aipysurus Tenuis Common Name(s): Brown-Lined

Common Name(s): Stokes's Sea Snake

Disteira Kingii Common Name(s): Spectacled Sea Snake Disteira Major Common Name(s): Olive-Headed Sea Snake Emydocephalus Annulatus Common Name(s): Turtle-Head Sea Snake Enhydrina Schistosa Common Name(s): Beaked Sea Snake Ephalophis Greyi Common Name(s): North-Western Mangrove Sea Snake Hydrelaps Darwiniensis Common Name(s): Black-Ringed Mangrove Sea Snake Hydrophis Atriceps Common Name(s): Black-Headed Sea Snake

POISON/VENOM Abrin Acanthaster Acanthurus Acetylcholine Aconitine Acutumine Amanitin Ammonia Amygdalin Anagyrine Androctonus Amoreuxi Androctonus Australis Androctonus Bicolor Androctonus Crassicauda Androctonus Mauritanicus Antirrinoside Arbaciidae Arsenic Trioxide Atrax Male Venom Female Venom Atropine Baecria Bakantin Balistidae Baptisin Barium Carbonate Belladonna Benzene Buthacus Leptochelis Buthus Occitanus Tunetanus Buthus Parabuthus Buthus Parabuthus Transvaalicus Calodine Carbon Oxychloride Carbon Tetrachloride Centruroides Exilicauda Centruroides Noxius Centruroides Suffusus Centruroides Limpidus Cheiracanthium Chelidonine Chironex Fleckeri Chiropsalmus Quadrigatus Cicutol Cirotine Colicine Colubrid Compsobuthus Acuticarinatus Conubide Conus Coprine Cyanide(Organic) Cyclamin Cyrotine Cytisine Dasyatis Deoxyin Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Digitalis Dimethyl Benzene Dimethyl Ketone Dimethylphosphoramido-Cyanidate Diterpinol Elapidae Ethylene Glycol Ethylene Monochloride

Type

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I P P I I P/I P/I P/I/V I I P/V P/V P P P I P P/I/V

62 40 40 62 62 62 39 26 62 62 15 15 15 16 16 62 40 26

P/D P I I I P I P/I I I/V P P P P/V I P/I/V P/I/V P P P P P I P P P/I I I P/I/V P I P I P/I I I I P I P/I/D/V I P/I/D/V P/I/D/V D/V I P/I/V P/I/V V

22 22 62 62 62 41 62 26 62 26 16 16 16 17 62 26 27 17 17 17 18 22 62 41 42 62 62 62 75 18 63 42 39 63 63 63 63 43 63 27 63 28 28 28 63 72 28 28

POISON/VENOM Evomonoside Eycorine Formaldehyde Frohnide Fuel Oil Githagine Glucosinola Gyrienide Gyromitrin Hapalochlaena Helenalin Heliosupine Hemiscorpius Lepturus Hexane Hortus Hottentota Saulcyi Hydrocyanic Acid Hydrogen Peroxide Hyoscyamine Ingenol Inosae Intermedine Isoflavide Isophorone Jervine Kerato Krait(Sea Snake) Lactine Latrodectus Leiurus Quinquestriatus Lobeline Locamide Locamine Locane Lophozozymus Pictor Loxosceles Lucosinolate Malacia Malathion Mesobuthus Eupeus Methyl Isocyanate Methyl Trichloride Methylphosphonofluoridate-Pinacolyl Methylphosphonothiolate-Diisopropyl Methylfluorophosphonate-Isopropyl Mitinate Muscarine Muscimol (Ibotenic Acid) Mustard Gas Naphthalene Nicotine Nitrobenzene Nycoride Odontobuthus Doriae Oleandrin Ontianin Opistopthalmus Glabrifons Opium Oranine Orellanine/Orelline Osinol Ostraciidae Oxalate(Oxalic Acid) Oxynenol Palustrine Paresthesine Pentachlorophenol

Type

Page

I I P/I/D/V I P/I/V I P/I I I P I I P P/I/V I P P/I/V P/I I I I P/I I P/I/V I I P/I/V I P P P/I P/I P/I P/I P/I P I I P/I/V P P/I/V P/I/V D/V pyl D/V D/V I I I D/V P/I/V I P/I/V I P P/I I P P/I/D/V I I I P/I/D/V I I I I P/I

63 63 29 63 29 63 63 63 39 43 63 63 18 29 63 18 29 29 64 64 64 64 64 30 64 64 75 64 23 18 64 64 64 64 44 24 64 64 30 19 30 30 30 30 31 64 39 39 31 31 64 31 64 19 64 65 19 65 65 39 65 44 65 65 65 39 32

POISON/VENOM Phoneutria Physalia Phytolagen Pit Viper Propylene Glycol(see Ethylene Glycol) Prunasin Prussic Acid Psilocybin Pyrrolizidine Quinone Ranunculin Rhoeadine Ricin Sanguinarine Saponin Scorpaenidae Selenocosmia Senecionine Seride Siganus Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hypochlorite Strychnine Taxiphillin Tegenaria Agrestis Telouine Tengenol Terpene Terraodontinae Tetrachloroethylene Thermopsine Thymela Tityus Bahiensis Tityus Serrulatus Tityus Trinitatis Troente Tyloside Ukonine Urushiol Vincristine Viperidae Voxyin Xolate Xyphorbol Zygacine

Type

Page

P P I P/I/V

24 44 65 69

I I I P/I I P/I/D I P/I/D/V I I P/I P I I P P/I/V P/I/V I I P I I P/I/V P/I P/I I I P P P I I I P/I/D/V I P/I/V I P/I I P/I

65 65 39 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 45 25 66 66 47 32 32 66 66 25 66 66 32 47 32 66 66 19 20 20 66 66 66 66 66 68 66 66 66 66

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OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a

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